OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — TANZANIA 43. EBONY NATIVITY WITH ACACIA TREES
This Nativity is made of rare ebony wood and it is hand-carved by an artist from the Makonde people of Tanzania. The 15 pieces in this set include Joseph, Mary, Jesus, three wise men, three shepherds (including a balding shepherd—which is unusual in African culture), and six animals. The tallest piece measures 7.5 inches tall.
The two trees that we added to the set are acacia trees. These trees are carved from light jacaranda wood in Nairobi, Kenya and then stained dark. Acacias are characteristic of savanna vegetation and are especially numerous in the South African bushveld. The foliage often appears feathery because of the many small leaflets. This tree is considered sacred in some parts of Africa. Acacia wood was used to build the Ark of the Covenant chest (Ex. 25:10).
The two trees that we added to the set are acacia trees. These trees are carved from light jacaranda wood in Nairobi, Kenya and then stained dark. Acacias are characteristic of savanna vegetation and are especially numerous in the South African bushveld. The foliage often appears feathery because of the many small leaflets. This tree is considered sacred in some parts of Africa. Acacia wood was used to build the Ark of the Covenant chest (Ex. 25:10).