Crèche Exhibit LUMA III

One of the things that is so fascinating about the Govan crèche collection is how many different materials artists have used to create the nativity story. I neglected to note anything about this rolled paper one but I think it is from somewhere in Africa.

This completely different paper one is by Lila K. Ridley of South Carolina.

M. Eugenia Weinmann of Chile crafted this crèche from seashells.

This glass one is from India.

The sign on this ceramic one with mirrors and beads was a bit confusing as it says it’s from India but then lists the artist as Barbara Ryan, USA.

Another one from India, this metal one was made by an unknown artist.

This painted clay one from Portugal was one of my favorites and is interesting as two artists are listed one, Quinara, made the figures and another, Robert Davis, the altar. This crèche is one of the ones featured in the book I have about the collection. Presenting the figures on an altar like base like this originated in the late 1920’s in Estremoz a small town east of Lisbon. The inspiration came from the presentation of popular saints at festivals on large staircase thrones. The “altar nativity” became a miniature version of the festival shrines.

This wood, fabric, paper, and metal one from Thailand is by Khunjing Tongkorn Chandavime.

I love the three kings in this painted clay one from an unknown artist in Egypt.

I think this one is painted wood and is from Nicaragua.

I guess the curator or installer thought this painted wood one from Kgrgysten looked particularly inviting as it was one of the few with a Do Not Touch sign.

This one from Nepal was crafted with Karma wood by Narayan Shilpakor.

I’ll end with this one I neglected to get any information about. I particularly like the angel on the top!