Nativities Around the World: Asia
Kyrgyzstan
The 4.4 million Kyrgyz live a traditional nomadic lifestyle in the rural regions of Kyrgyzstan. They make their own felt from sheep’s wool. Wool is used for clothing and also for covering yurts (traditional dome-shaped tents). The nativity is made from felt, and the clothing is lightly embroidered. Joseph wears a Kalpak, a high felt hat that is made to resemble the carved mountains in Kyrgyzstan.
Purchased from Hands Around the World in 2003.
Nepal
Mary and Joseph are dressed in traditional Nepali costumes while Jesus lays in a bamboo kokro, a basket widely used as a cradle in Nepal. The wise men are depicted from different religions: a Buddhist monk, a Hindu priest, and a Sherpa priest. The set was produced in Nepal Knotcraft Centre, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Purchased at Ten Thousand Villages.
Vietnam
These diminutive figures are carved from soapstone in Vietnam and fit snugly in the wicker basket. Approximately 80% of Vietnamese people identify as Buddhist.
Purchased from Ten Thousand Villages in North Carolina in 2005.
Bangladesh
Purchased in Hands Around the World in 2000.
Bangladesh became a nation state following a bloody war for independence from Pakistan in the early 1970s. The most densely populated country in the world, it became a homeland for Muslims. Less than 1% of the population identify as Christian. The figures are made from burlap fabric and dressed in traditional style clothing.
Purchased in Hands Around the World in 1999.
India
Purchased in 1981.
Purchased from Ten Thousand Villages in 2005.
Philippines
Artisans from Baguio City used an innovative process to create these colorful and unique pieces. Using old newspapers, crafters wrap the paper into narrow rolls. The pieces are shaped then glued or sewed together. Adding starch helps make them firm and shiny. Faces are carved out of wood.
Purchased from Ten Thousand Villages in North Carolina in 2006.
The set is hand carved from a light wood. Most Filipinos are Roman Catholic and the church is a dominant force in Filipino life.