family figurines

Family always comes first, especially if it's as adorable as this duck family depicted in a wonderful set of three figurines hand-carved from raintree wood. The mother duck and her ducklings, painted by hand with red, yellow, green and dark blue colours, feature a lustrous finish and are a lovely design by Thai artisan Nongluck Cheananta.

By Duangkamol, these whimsical figurines depict a mother rabbit and two baby bunnies. The Thai artisan works in cool green celadon ceramic to create the charming family.

Ebusuah is the Akan-Asante word for "family," and in this spectacular mask one can see the head of the family serenely surveying his realm atop the mask. Other members of the family are shown on the borders of the mask. Hand-carved by Nana Frimpong, this special mask celebrates life and above all the strength of family ties, kinship and lineage that are highly consolidated throughout Ghanaian society. It symbolizes the corporation, integrity, origin and preservation of this most important social body or organization. Finely detailed, this piece is waxed and polished to a fine finish.

Each African mask has been made for a particular purpose. It is important to remember that every figure and ritual object is a living being, the temporary abode of spirits, and also represents the vital links between man and the world of the supernatural, possessing awesome powers of its own. However, music, chanting, dancing, sacrifices and the full array of rituals that accompanies any mask bring it fully to life, and are the essential elements that provide its deep-rooted meaning and power to the community. These complex ceremonial events express vital social, religious, and moral values for the whole community, while the uniqueness of each mask is a testament to the artistry of its community and the individual artist's originality. With careful attention to the masks' artistic and symbolic detail, it is possible to perceive these same values within the masks themselves.

An ancient hummingbird centres this plate, painted by hand in silhouette. Heavenly bodies shoot past the figure, while geometric motifs surround it. The Huaman Paucar Family depicts the Nazca hummingbird. The figures of the Nazca Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be seen in their entirety only from the air.

A wire at the back of the plate permits wall display.

With wings extended, the Nazca hummingbird hovers in a universe of earthen tones. Surrounding the quick white figure, geometric shapes from pre-Hispanic art appear in exquisite symmetry. The Huaman Paucar Family creates a decorative plate that faithfully recreates the famous geoglyph. The mysterious figures of the Nazca Plain, located about 200 miles south of Lima, can be seen in their entirety only from the air.

A wire hook at the back facilitates wall display.

Alberto Aparicio Canchari crafts an endearing nativity scene featuring the Holy Family accompanied by the Three Wise Men. They all wear the traditional costumes and facial artistry that is unique to the Ashaninka people of the Amazon Rainforest. The master ceramist draws attention to the Ashaninka cause, for they are being displaced from their homeland by loggers. The set includes a donkey and a cow too, and all figurines are painted by hand with expressive detail. Set includes eight pieces.

The Magi make their way toward the stable where Jesus sleeps in a manger. Guided by the Christmas star, they seek the Holy Family and a newborn king. Leonor Quispe works in the traditional art of arpillería (patchwork) to create an heirloom Christmas stocking. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered.

An angel hovers above the manger to watch over the Holy Family as Leonor Quispe gives an Andean setting to the very first Christmas. She works in the traditional art of arpillería (patchwork) to create this extraordinary wall hanging in the shape of a star. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered.

An angel and doves watch protectively over the Holy Family and the Christmas star dominates the sky. Leonor Quispe gives an Andean setting to her nativity scene. She works in the traditional art of arpillera (patchwork) to create this extraordinary wall hanging in the shape of a fir tree. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered.

The Christmas star announces the location of the stable where Jesus sleeps in a manger. Guided by the star, shepherds and Maggi will find the Holy Family and a newborn king. Leonor Quispe works in the traditional art of arpillería (patchwork) to create an heirloom Christmas stocking. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered. The colorful background fabric emulates traditional hand-loomed cloth.

Leonor Quispe gives an Andean setting to the very first Christmas. While the Wise Men wend their way to the stable, an angel hovers above the manger to watch over the Holy Family. In the sky, the Christmas star illuminates whitewashed homes that cluster amid cactus. Quispe works in the traditional art of arpillera (patchwork) to create this extraordinary wall hanging. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered by hand. A display rod (not included) can be slipped through two loops at the top.

The perfect gift for parents to-be, this lovely sculpture symbolizes a father's hopes and dreams for his children. Balinese artisans use local suar wood to hand carve sculpture, diligently crafting smooth, stylized curves and charming openwork details.