Monday, December 31, 2012

Wee lambs


Wee lambs
Originally uploaded by bleak!
a flock of clay sheep for sale in a "tianguis navideño."

Belen 2012


Belen 2012
Originally uploaded by bleak!
A woman making tortillas. A requisite figure in Mexican "nacimiento" tableaux.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Belen 2012


Belen 2012
Originally uploaded by bleak!
Handbuilt clay nativity figures from Mexico.

Mexican "nacimiento" tableaux are composed of multitudes of characters. Aside from the the usual suspects such as the Three Kings and shepherds, "nacimientos" often include figures performing daily tasks and routines. Figurines of fishermen, vendors, laundresses, cooks,  butchers, bakers and even hermits are usually included and depicted.

The inclusion of "average joes" in the nativity illustrates that amidst the hubbub of daily life, miracles still happen; hope and salvation can still be found amongst the commonplace.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Devil in the Nativity


Belen 2012
Originally uploaded by bleak!
It is customary in Mexico to include the figurine of the devil in the nativity scene to illustrate that evil is everywhere. Figures of demons bearing emblems of the seven deadly sin are usually shown tempting the shepherds, the Three Kings  and the townspeople.
Though evil is indeed all around us, its inclusion in the creche also remind us all that good will eventually triumph.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Adoration


Adoration
Originally uploaded by bleak!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Madonna and Child


Madonna and Child
Originally uploaded by bleak!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Belen 2011


Belen 2011
Originally uploaded by bleak!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Belen 2012


Belen 2012
Originally uploaded by bleak!
figuras de barro.

Guadalupe


Untitled
Originally uploaded by bleak!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Nino Dormido


Untitled
Originally uploaded by bleak!
A small, carved folk figure of the sleeping Christ Child from the Philippines.