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Sculptures from Ayacucho, Peru, have been made with Huamanga stone extracted from quarries in the districts of Pomabamba, Chacolla, Canchacancha and Chuschi in the province of Cangallo for centuries. For this nativity scene, artisan Carlos Galvez has chosen to place his meticulously hand-sculpted figurines of Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, an angel and two animals inside a lean-to with a sloping tiled roof and pillars in an elongated-oval shape. He takes advantage of the variation in shading that the Huamanga stone from this region has to create a unique piece of holiday decor. Product features: Dimension - 3.9" H x 4.7" W x 3.9" D Weight - 1.58 LBS Color - Ivory Natural stone - some variations in color and/or pattern are to be expected Features a rustic, rugged finish Made in Peru Story behind the art: I was born in 1973 in the beautiful province of Ayacucho with its many colonial homes and churches. Ayacucho is also known for our ancestral customs and traditions that reflect the inviolable faith of our people. The city of Ayacucho is considered second only to Seville, Spain for its traditional Holy Week celebrations.I consider myself to be a thinking man, always creative. No matter the adversity, I always seek the best solutions.My childhood took place in the Santa Ana neighborhood. It was â and continues to be â a symbol of Andean beauty and belief. From Santa Ana, there's a spectacular view of the city and the sky above.The surrounding streets are a visual delight. Thanks to God and my family, I was able to finish high school. But all the while, my parents inspired me with a love for stone carving. Both of them were master artisans and they taught me to select the stone and carve it. They showed me how to truly connect with my material.I haven't the slightest doubt that I was born with art in my entire being. I worked, studied and trained with dedication for many, many hours, and I work hard, focusing on preserving my cultural tradition and customs. But I enjoy it! I think this is reflected in my carvings â each detail is created with much love, great subtlety, patience and elegance.My inspiration arises from the beautiful landscapes surrounding our town â the cliffs and valleys, the vast clear skies, the religious fervor, our magnificent art and architectureâ¦. All this becomes my greatest inspiration and I feel a responsibility as a representative of my region. I must bring our traditions and customs to life with the best of my artistic ability.I especially enjoy the challenge that Huamanga stone presents. It's important to take maximum advantage of the sizes and colors of this Andean alabaster. It is mined right here in Ayacucho and it's a privilege to have been born in a place so blessed by nature. Because the stone is a natural material, it can be tricky to work with and requires much precision as well as an eye for detail and special handling.I dream that one day my work will be known in all of Peru and, why not? In the rest of the world. I love to share this beautiful passion by creating art that represents my homeland.
