Creches Around the World (3)
It's the Gesture...
Taman Petra (Sukodono Mennonite Woodcarvers)
Indonesia
Crafted by Sukodono Mennonite Woodcarvers of Japara, Indonesia, the decorative and geometric motifs of their carvings are derived from Asmal tribal culture. Similar designs are found on houses, canoes, and totem poles. Message and expression of these figures are not in detail or volume of their bodies but in the intensity of their gestures.
ML.1121.01
When the Magpie Sings
Bernadette Shin-Ja Choung
Korea
Take a look at the magpie in the pine tree. Korean people say that a welcome guest comes when a magpie sings. Jesus Christ seems to be a most welcome guest in this small straw-roofed house where the humble classes once lived. He wears a typical Korean outfit for a male child, including aBokgun (Korean cloth hat for boys). Mary, as a married woman, does her hair up in a chignon and wears a simple garment of subdued color. Joseph, a married man himself, wears his hair in a topknot, and dons a simple light blue outfit. Traditionally, men and women wear Chogoris (Korean-style jackets); women’s Chogoris are shorter than those of men.
Young and old welcome the presence of Baby Jesus. Youth is represented twice: by a village girl, respectfully bowing before the infant, and dressed in a brightly colored, blue and red Han Bok(Korean costume). As a maiden girl she wears her hair in braids. The young and kneeling villager, with braids and in a colorful costume, throws his arms up in joy. Also kneeling and greeting the future redeemer with a more measured gesture of respect, is the old villager, his hair bound in a topknot. He is clothed in an outfit of subdued colors.
The rural setting of the Korean nativity, made ofDackjongie (Korean paper), is further marked by the smaller structure representing the barn, and the traditional jar stands where the soy sauce jars are placed. Koreans kept in these jars Gochujang (the thick soy paste mixed with red pepper), Duenjang(soybean paste), Ghanjang (soy sauce), andKimchi (Korean Cabbage pickles).
ML.2343
Fragile Majesties
Amos Tay
Singapore
This majestic nativity representation from Singapore was made by a Buddhist family. The medium used is paste from the bark of the Cinnamon tree, called pâte d'encens. The tiny but bustling island state of Singapore, formerly a part of Malaysia, is situated at the crossroad of many cultures. This nativity set reflects the influence of East and West. The baroque style of posture and vestments suggest a Latin origin, possibly Portugal or Spain. The facial expressions convey some of the mysterious gravity of Asian religious traditions. Made of pâte d'encens, the figures are light and fragile. Their brittle existence is in stark contrast with their imposing stance and proud bearing. Gathered at the manger, the kings are but fragile majesties.
ML.1118.05
Bamboo Nativity
Potzu Studios
Taiwan
Culture has been defined in many ways. One of them describes culture as a higher form of civilization. Civilization deals with the necessities of life, such as providing food and shelter. It meets so-called primary human needs. Culture builds on civilization. It takes the simple tools of daily life and embellishes them, using precious materials and artistic design. Some will object: A spade is a spade; it doesn't need to be a work of art to be useful. However, we like what is beautiful and precious for we have secondary as well as primary needs. In sum, culture is ultimately a labor of love. It speaks of gratuitousness and generosity, and tips the scale of human endeavor in favor of spiritual values.
This Taiwanese nativity is a fine illustration of culture building on civilization. It is made of bamboo, the woody grass of Bambusa, which is widely distributed chiefly in the tropics and subtropics. Young bamboo shoots are utilized for food. The stalks are used to manufacture cooking utensils, furniture, and structural framing. The hollow stems of this large woody plant are hard and durable. They lend themselves to carving and sculpting. This attractive little crèche was produced by the renowned Potzu studios. It is set against a bluish backdrop to highlight tone and structure of the bamboo. The figures with their flowing robes and hands folded in praise and thanksgiving intimate a spiritual climate of awe and joyous reverence. According to some interpreters, the gifts of the wise men - a ring, a flute, and a piece of fruit - symbolize the marriage (ring) between heaven (flute) and earth (piece of fruit) which came about in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
ML.2620
Source: campus.udayton.edu