I have frequently mentioned the colonial mansion in the Historic Center of Mexico City known as Iturbide's Palace. The building is now owned by Banamex (the Bank of Mexico), and is the headquarters of their cultural foundation. Each year there are several exhibits held at the palace. Perhaps the most eagerly awaited show is their annual exposition of "nacimientos" (Nativity scenes). 367 Nativity scenes created by more than 200 master artisans are on display. They represent the vast variety of popular arts to be found throughout Mexico.
After I took Al and Stew to the top of the Latin American Tower, we walked a short distance down Madero Street to the palace. The exhibit was one of the highlights of their visit to Mexico City. The Nativity scenes are, for the most part, the same each year, but I always enjoy seeing them again. I have written about the exposition here a number of times so I will simply share a few photographs. Those of you have been reading my blog for a number of years might even recognize some of these Nativity scenes from earlier posts.
This scene is from San Bartolo Coyotepec in the state of Oaxaca. The town is famous for its black pottery. All of the Nativity figures are portrayed wearing traditional attire of the state. The Three Kings are wearing the headdresses of the "feather dancers" of Oaxaca.
The town of Metepec in the State of Mexico is famous for elaborate clay pieces known as "Trees of Life". The exhibit included several depicting the Nativity.
This whimsical wooden figure is from the state of Yucatán. Joseph, Mary and the Baby, and the Three Kings are shown riding a carrousel.
This stone carving, also from Yucatán, portrays the Holy Family and an angel in the garb of the ancients Mayas.
An exquisite scene from the state of Michoacán with figures modeled from wax wearing hand woven clothing
A colorful painting from the state of Guerrero done on "amate" paper made from the bark of the fig tree.
One of the specialties of the Huichol people of western Mexico is to create pictures by gluing colored yarn onto a board.
These clay figures were done by one of the Aguilar sisters, well-known artisans from the town of Ocotlán de Morelos in Oaxaca.
These charming figures come from the pottery town of Tonalá in the state of Jalisco.
Al just posted an entry on his blog about our visit. You can read it and see more photos here...
The Nativity Reinvented – El Rancho Santa Clara
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