blue

This colorful box depicts the first Christmas. Alejandro Chávez crafts a traditional retablo (diorama) in the regional style of Ayacucho. The Holy Family and the three kings are modeled of clay and painted by hand. Beneath them, villagers harvest the red fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

Watching over their tiny son, Mary and Joseph smile. Above them, the three kings bring offerings to the Christ child. Shepherds worship and angels sing in the heavens above. Alejandro Chávez portrays the nativity on four levels in three dimensions. This traditional diorama is known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled and painted by hand.

Watching over their tiny son, Mary and Joseph smile as shepherds worship in the blue Andean night. Beneath, an Andean hat shop offers sombreros for sale. Alejandro Chávez portrays the scenes on two levels in three dimensions. This traditional diorama is known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled and painted by hand.

This beautiful retablo depicts a lively market scene exploding with color. Peruvian artisan Julio Gallardo handcrafts the retablo frame from tornillo wood and paints it a creamy pale yellow with bold orange and blue flowers and warm brown trim. Inside, ceramic figurines, meticulously painted, manage a market stall selling woven textiles. Miniature woven cloth in bright colors and bold patterns hang above the market sellers. The retablo can be displayed on a table or hung on a wall by the metal hanger on the back.