OUR COLLECTION — ASIA — PAKISTAN 324. ONYX NATIVITY
This Nativity scene is carved from onyx by a group of stone carvers in Karachi, Pakistan. The scene includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and two elephants. Joseph measures 5 inches tall.
In the 50 years since Pakistan’s independence, the country’s population has moved into the cities for a chance at prosperity by working in factories. Pakistan is known for beautiful crafts made of onyx ranging from home accessories to fireplaces. Nearly 20 independently owned factories, each employing about 100-150 workers, produce onyx carvings. Each workshop uses its own equipment and rents or owns its facility. Most workshops are family-owned businesses, and are scattered throughout Pakistan. Each one employs artisans who speak different languages and practice different religions.
When large onyx boulders arrive from the mines in Naukundi (an area near the Afghanistan border), a representative from each workshop chooses a block of stone. The blocks, adorned with beautiful coloring and grain patterns, are then cut into smaller pieces and transformed into decorative and functional crafts such as: candlesticks, bookends, bowls, Nativities, and animal shapes. The benefits for the artisans include fair wages to support themselves and their families while stabilizing their futures.
In the 50 years since Pakistan’s independence, the country’s population has moved into the cities for a chance at prosperity by working in factories. Pakistan is known for beautiful crafts made of onyx ranging from home accessories to fireplaces. Nearly 20 independently owned factories, each employing about 100-150 workers, produce onyx carvings. Each workshop uses its own equipment and rents or owns its facility. Most workshops are family-owned businesses, and are scattered throughout Pakistan. Each one employs artisans who speak different languages and practice different religions.
When large onyx boulders arrive from the mines in Naukundi (an area near the Afghanistan border), a representative from each workshop chooses a block of stone. The blocks, adorned with beautiful coloring and grain patterns, are then cut into smaller pieces and transformed into decorative and functional crafts such as: candlesticks, bookends, bowls, Nativities, and animal shapes. The benefits for the artisans include fair wages to support themselves and their families while stabilizing their futures.