Thailand Nativity

Thailand Nativity

Thailand

Wood

In this hand-carved wood Nativity, Mary holds the Christ Child in her arms while Joseph stands beside her. Instead of the Wise Men and shepherds familiar from the biblical narrative, the Christ Child is here surrounded by a host of animals. Three of these appear to be water buffalos, which are used for rice cultivation in parts of Thailand.

On loan from the Knights of Columbus Museum, Inc. Collection, New Haven, Connecticut