Nativity scene (11) - Unique African Bronze Nativity Set - Bronze






Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.
€160 | ||
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€150 | ||
€100 | ||
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Description from the seller
Unusual African Nativity Scene – Bronze – Probably Burkina Faso – Second half of the 20th century
Professionally shipped – more than 1,000 five-star reviews worldwide.
Unusual 11-piece African bronze Nativity scene, probably originating from Burkina Faso, with a dark patina and gold-colored accents.
The group consists of Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus in the manger, three kings on camels, an angel, a shepherd, and three sheep. The figures stand out for their distinctive, unconventional design, with elongated bodies, large eyes, stylized faces, and notably expressive poses. The three kings on their camels in particular give this Nativity scene a playful, almost surreal character.
The figures were probably made using the traditional lost-wax method (cire perdue), in which a separate wax model is used for each casting and is lost during the casting process. As a result, each figure is unique, with small variations and irregularities characteristic of the traditional casting process.
An original interpretation of the Nativity story, bringing together African metalworking and Christian iconography.
Height of largest figure: 14 cm.
Total weight: 2.7 kg.
All twelve pieces are in good condition, with no damage. No visible signatures or markings.
The photographs form an integral part of the description. Shipped with track and trace.
Seller's Story
Unusual African Nativity Scene – Bronze – Probably Burkina Faso – Second half of the 20th century
Professionally shipped – more than 1,000 five-star reviews worldwide.
Unusual 11-piece African bronze Nativity scene, probably originating from Burkina Faso, with a dark patina and gold-colored accents.
The group consists of Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus in the manger, three kings on camels, an angel, a shepherd, and three sheep. The figures stand out for their distinctive, unconventional design, with elongated bodies, large eyes, stylized faces, and notably expressive poses. The three kings on their camels in particular give this Nativity scene a playful, almost surreal character.
The figures were probably made using the traditional lost-wax method (cire perdue), in which a separate wax model is used for each casting and is lost during the casting process. As a result, each figure is unique, with small variations and irregularities characteristic of the traditional casting process.
An original interpretation of the Nativity story, bringing together African metalworking and Christian iconography.
Height of largest figure: 14 cm.
Total weight: 2.7 kg.
All twelve pieces are in good condition, with no damage. No visible signatures or markings.
The photographs form an integral part of the description. Shipped with track and trace.
