The nativity has been interpreted in so many different ways throughout history. Discover the beauty of Kenyan craftsmanship through unique and ethically sourced nativity sets.
These handcrafted pieces not only celebrate the spirit of Christmas but also support fair trade practices and empower local communities in Kenya.
Banana Fiber Nativity Sets
Women in the villages in Kenya, near Kitui, are educated and trained on the handmade craft of recycling the dried fiber of banana plants, which would normally be discarded. They use their talents to transform the banana fiber into new, eco-friendly art forms.
Esther and her husband train women on banana fiber crafting to empower them to earn money while working from their homes. Banana Fiber which would normally be discarded is used to craft unique pieces taking the leaves from the banana tree to create durable and eco-friendly pieces of art.
The banana fiber is first dried, and then a light varnish is applied. Once this process is complete craftspeople cut the fiber into thin strips to make several different items, including boxes, Bao Bab trees and mobiles.
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The varnish on the banana fiber, with its many shades of brown, resembles textured tortoise shell.
This nativity set is handcrafted out of banana fiber and comes in a 5 by 7 inch handmade banana fiber box. The tallest piece is 5" high. The set includes 12 pieces plus a storage box. Actual pieces may vary slightly in color, size, or shape due to the handmade nature of each piece.
The Process of Creating Banana Fiber Art
- The banana fiber is dried.
- A light varnish is applied.
- Craftspeople cut the fiber into thin strips.
- The strips are used to create boxes, Bao Bab trees, mobiles, and nativity sets.
Soapstone Nativity Sets
African nativity scene is handmade in Kenya from beautiful kisii soapstone. Smooth and lustrous soapstone is locally sourced and carved by artisans in southwest Kenyan to create this stately nativity. Carved nativity set from Kenya is handmade from lush Kisii soapstone.
Each piece is carved from locally sourced soapstone. Some variation in coloration and carving make each nativity set one of a kind. The joy and spirit of Christmas is beautifully portrayed with our Fair Trade Tuko Pamoja Soapstone Nativity Scene from Kenya.
"Tuko Pamoja" is a Swahili phrase that translates to "We Are Together". Hand-carved in Kenya, this soapstone Nativity is painted colorfully and features the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph & baby Jesus) along with a 2-piece hut with removable roof. Stylized sculpture is finely carved to a smooth finish from a single piece of soapstone, skillfully capturing the tranquil facial expressions and draped vestments of the Holy Family.
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Other Unique Materials
Kenyan artists beautifully recreate the nativity scene as imagined in the African wilderness. Joyful nativity scene made in Kenya from banana fiber, cloth and wire.
Maasai nativity scene handmade in Nairobi, Kenya. Figures are crafted from wire, banana fiber and cloth. Beautiful bead work makes this unique Nativity scene stand out. Hand made in Kenya, this Nativity feature 5 colorful figurines depicting the Nativity in beads and wire. Kenyan safari animals and bright cotton fabrics bring the enchantment of the African savannah to the nativity story.
An African gourd is hollowed out and dried and turned into an enclosure for a banana fiber nativity scene.
Fair Trade and Ethical Production
These Kenyan nativity sets are produced under fair trade conditions, ensuring that the artisans receive fair wages and work in safe environments. By purchasing these items, you are supporting sustainable livelihoods and helping to break the cycle of poverty.
From hand-painted terracotta to hand-carved wood, SERRV has over 20 handmade nativity sets from around the world. Find the perfect nativity for your holiday today.
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Global Nativity Sets
Find the perfect global nativity from SERRV. From recycled oil drums hand-embossed by artisans in Haiti, to the hand-carved and youthfully painted Bright Wood Nativity from Sri Lanka, you'll find the perfect handmade nativity set for your home.
Also from Peru, the incredibly detailed and miniature Matchbox nativities include hand-painted clay figures and backdrops in old matchboxes.
Each olive wood nativity is carved by a Palestinian artisan from the West Bank with incredible attention to detail. Nothing is more meaningful than a nativity carved by artisans in the Holy Land itself.
Our Peruvian nativity scenes feature natural terracotta that is molded and fired before being hand-painted in a variety of colors and styles. Our Tranquil Teal Nativity highlights bold blue on smiling figures.
Our popular Indonesian nativities are handcrafted from sustainable alstonia, albizia, acacia, toona, or sengon woods. All of our hand-carved Indonesian wooden nativity scenes are artisan made. Natural soapstone is selected, carved, and dyed by hand by artisans in Kenya to create beautiful nativity scenes.
Table: Kenyan Nativity Sets - Materials and Characteristics
| Material | Characteristics | Artisan Location |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Fiber | Eco-friendly, durable, resembles tortoise shell | Villages near Kitui |
| Kisii Soapstone | Smooth, lustrous, carved and dyed by hand | Southwest Kenya |
| Wire and Cloth | Colorful, uses bead work, often depicts safari animals | Nairobi |
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