World Nativities at the Glencairn Museum

Since 2009 the Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania has hosted an annual exhibition of World Nativities at the year end holidays. I went to tour the museum, but the exhibition was an added bonus. Nativity scenes from around the world are on display, reflecting local interpretations and beliefs. The exhibits are made from a variety of interesting materials. Though most seemed to date from the last 20 or 30 years, there are several much older. The displayed scenes are both from the Glencairn’s own collection, and those on loan from other museums.

The cover photo to this post is Kokeshi Nativity, Japan, 2015.

*Nativity Carved on a Bible,* Mexico, 2017, copal wood and acrylic paints.

*Szopka by Kazimierz Stopinski*, Poland, 2014, mixed media. It features architectural elements from historic buildings in Krakow, including the Royal Palace, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Wawel Cathedral.

*Steel Drum nativity,* Haiti, date unknown, steel and paint. Made from repurposed metal drums. One of the Magi is giving the Christ Child a pineapple, a highly valued fruit grown in mountainous regions of Haiti.

*Nativity from Portugal*, Portugal, 2012, painted clay. Made by Mria Luisa da Conceicao, the last in a family line of Estremoz clay artisans known as “Familia Alfacinha.” The white and blue throne is painted in the style of the homes in Estremoz.

*Nativity from Nepal,* Nepal, 2009, local hardwood.

*Nativity from Guatemala,* Guatemala, circa 2023, pinewood and paint. The Magi offerings are a chicken, watermelon, and pineapple.

*Slovak Corn-Husk Nativity,* Slovakia, 2009, corn husk and wood. Corn husk!

*Thai Doll Nativity,* Thailand, 2016, mixed media.

*Elegance of Spirit Nativity,* United States, 2024, cork, paper, & clay.

*The Grand Cartapesta Presepe,* Italy (figures) and United States (setting), 1940s-1960s (figures)/2024 (setting), paper-mache.

*Peruvian Retablo Nativity,* Peru, date unknown, wood, clay, and paint.

*El Nacimiento en el Cerro*, Mexico, 2018, clay and natural earthen colors. The artist is Carmen Gutierrez Vazquez, and here she depicts her annual pilgrimage to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The scene includes 72 human figures, each about one inch tall.

*Nativity by Josefina Aguilar,* Mexico, circa 1990, painted clay.

*Sisters of Bethlehem Nativity,* France, 2019, cast stone.

*Nativity from Embu das Artes,* Brazil, circa 1990s, painted clay.

*Nativity from Hungary,* Hungary, 2009, fired clay. Created by ceramic artist Katalin Moldvai, the clothing shown is that of traditional 15^th and 16^th century Hungarian peasants.

The look of this Hungarian nativity scene was my favorite. I love the style and colors.

*Armenian Nativity,* Armenia, 2024, glazed ceramic. As per Armenian tradition, the scene takes place in a cave rather than a stable. Also note the wall behind the scene – that’s some of the amazing tile work found in Glencairn.

*Nativity from China,* China, 2009, camphor wood.

*Dregeno Nativity Pyramid, Germany*, circa 1950, painted wood.

“The first Christmas pyramids appeared in the 19^th century. They include a rotating central spindle with multiple tiers, candle holders with candles that generate heat when lit, and a fan-like rotor at the top designed to catch the rising warmth.” (per the accompanying sign)

Fascinating! I’d never heard of such a thing!