Crèche figures for Christmas

Crèche figures represent the HOLY NATIVITY scene. These compositions are popular in Europe and some collections have grown into massive dioramas depicting typical town activities built around the main "crib scene".

The earliest great "crib" figures were carved out of wood by the same craftsmen who carved great religious icons for church decorations, royalty, and the wealthy. These crèches were being created for those same wealthy and influential patrons, so no expense was spared to create the most stunning one-of-a-kind, expressive figures. Thus each of these early dolls were works of art. Artists also started sculpting some figures in terra-cotta, which was a lot faster than wood carving.

As these crèches became more popular more craftsmen became involved.

The faces are extremely expressive. The overall figure posture, and their graceful hands oftenexpress these emotions. Their expressive hands are often in uncomfortable, or impossible looking poses.

Mariorick Mifsud's crèche figures are made of papier mache in which the drapery is entirely made from a special paper and the folds are individually crafted to simulate realistic fabric folds.