Church Nativity Sets
The origins of the Nativity Set characters
The idea of representing nativity sets in different “Acts” such as the birth of the Saviour, the Annunciation, the adoration of the Magi and the flight to Egypt, was taken from popular folk plays.
The first nativity figures were mobile, jointed dolls with wooden and wax head, wearing richly decorated and embroidered outfits. At the time, nativity sets were still limited to being displayed in churches, monasteries and aristocratic homes.
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Church Types
True to theatrical tradition and encouraged by the Jesuits, the production of nativity sets had a booming upswing in the baroque period. More figures were added, the landscapes grew bigger and took on a great deal of exotic influence (with the integration of Moorish figures, camels, elephants…).
Four main types of nativity set construction modes where developed, i.e. clothed nativity sets, carved nativity sets, wooden board and paper nativity sets. Only later did nativity sets increasingly gain an interest amongst the people.
