10-piece Nativity Scene Hand-carved Wood from Guatemala 'Holy Gifts' Item ID: 2669933579

Name: 10-piece Nativity Scene Hand-carved Wood from Guatemala 'Holy Gifts'
Brand: Jose Canil Ramos
SKU: 2669933579
Price: 199.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

$199

- 1 +

This is your own listing item.

About this item

"With this inspiring nativity scene Jose Canil Ramos preserves a tradition that began in Guatemala on Christmas of 1649. Back then, Holy Brother Pedro de Betancourt set up a nativity scene he had brought with him from the Canary Islands in Tenerife. In Canil's original version, the Three Wise Men bring a pineapple, a watermelon and a chicken as gifts from Guatemala. Ramos carves each figurine by hand from pinewood that was weathered and dried during the summer months. The characters' florid robes are painted by hand, and they stand on brown wood bases. Archangel Gabriel's wings are detachable. Including the bed, ox and donkey, this nativity set features 10 pieces."

Item detail

1.98 lbs
Largest piece: 9.8 inches H x 4.3 inches W x 2.2 inches D
Smallest piece: 2.4 inches H x 1.2 inches W x 0.9 inches D
Pinewood
Hand-crafted item -- color
size and/or motif may vary slightly

Made in Guatemala

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Jose Canil Ramos

23 Reviews

"When I was younger dad would only allow me to sandpaper a piece, and as I got older he would let me paint too. It wasn't until I was older that he'd finally let me carve the wood.

"I've always loved this craft and I used to spend hours practicing, but it meant that my school work suffered and I barely managed to study. With a lot of effort and hard work I manage to finish middle school when I was 22 years old. I would like to keep on studying now, I would like to become an accountant but there is no one to help me in the workshop right now, so for the moment I can't.

"I remember well the first piece I ever did completely on my own: an angel. I put it among the things my father took to the market to sell, and then I lost track of it! I hope it got sold to someone who appreciated it because at the time I was only an apprentice.

"I like to develop new styles so I am constantly studying the art work in churches and books for inspiration. I study every little detail to make sure I can replicate it. I start with sketching the piece, then I make a prototype. Most of the time I work with the idea of something, rather than with its photo, because I feel it hampers my inspiration and then I'm not happy with the final product.

"I enjoy this craft because not only is it beautiful, but it is forever linked to the culture and traditions brought over by the Spanish. They introduced us to their saints and some of the masks were worn for dancing.

"I've been dedicated to this craft for years, and I still feel that I continue to improve. Now I share a workshop with my mother. Thanks to the Almighty we have been able to keep afloat without my father, who passed away 18 years ago. This was one of the hardest blows I've received in my lifetime, because I was only 10 years old and I felt lost without his guidance. On top of that was seeing the devastation caused by his drinking and the effects it had on my family, that's why I swore I would never ever touch a drop of alcohol.

"I usually work every day because of the country's difficult economic situation. But when I do get around relaxing, I enjoy painting and carving more delicate figurines. They require more time and I see it as a challenge to refine my skills.

"I also enjoy observing clients' response to my work, especially when they complement me. It fills me with great happiness and makes me want to work even harder."

Christmas Nativity Scene Folk Art Nativities Great Gift Sweet Holy Family Sculpture Wooden Nativity Set Christian Holiday Decor & Ornaments Wood Holiday Decor & Ornaments Multicolor Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Reviews for

This item (3)

Jose Canil Ramos (23)

November 1, 2020

C Cecile

Bravo pour cette merveille! Votre crèche va rejoindre notre collection de crèches du monde ;chaque année elle sera exposée au coté d'autres crèches dans notre village au moment de Noel. très beau travail, merci.

Reviewed item

October 7, 2020

A Atticus

Extraordinary craftsmanship at such a reasonable price. The figures have real dignity.

Reviewed item

January 27, 2020

L Lisa

I was blown away with the vibrant colors and the quality of this nativity set. Can't wait to put it out next Christmas! Each handcrafted piece has felt on the bottom to protect your furniture. You will not be sorry if you order this nativity scene. It is one of the prettiest ones I have ever seen and I'm so happy with my purchase.

Reviewed item

January 6, 2020

K Kimberley

Looks bright and colorful - great on Mexican wood and tile table. Just what I wanted, as I'm a fan of (sugar) skulls/Day of the Dead. It's on the small side, but certainly adequate. I enjoy this item and am pleased with the item and purchase experience.

Reviewed item

December 9, 2019

P Paul

Jose's work is truly art! I ordered the nativity Set as a surprise for my wife. She loves it! If you are looking for a family heirloom, please consider his carvings! I'm certain they will become a family tradition to have on your mantle-place or around a Christmas tree every year!

Reviewed item

December 5, 2019

L Ludy

I love Nativiites from around the world. This is my favorite! The artwork on it is amazing! Love the story behind the artist who made this Nativity set.

Reviewed item

January 28, 2023

L Libby

I love how colorful the set is. I bought it so my grandchildren could move the characters around & I could teach them the nativity story. I know this will be a memory maker for them.

Reviewed item

October 11, 2019

K Kathryn

The craftsmanship and use of color make this an amazing and surprising addition to the holidays.

Reviewed item

September 24, 2019

M Malinda

So beautiful and masterfully done! Better than expected!!

Reviewed item

April 25, 2019

D Donna

I love the uniqueness of this nativity. I will treasure it in my collection for many years.

Reviewed item

March 8, 2019

P Peter

Reviewed item

February 15, 2019

F Floyd

Reviewed item

December 13, 2018

S Samuel

This Nativity Scene is beautiful and well made!!! Thank you!!!!! Merry Christmas!!

Reviewed item

December 1, 2018

G Gennifer

Love love loveLove love love your work I have 15 pieces that you have made ...and I get so excited to see what you?ll make next Everyone that visits me fall in love with you work...I absolutely love your creations and I know your dad would be so proud ...God Bless you Jose and your mother

Reviewed item

November 19, 2018

R Rafael

My favorite Nativity Set

Reviewed item

November 6, 2018

E Edward

The carving and painting of the figures are exquisite.

Reviewed item

September 29, 2017

C Cristina

I'm so impressed with the quality of work on my skeletal nativity set! Excellent work with vibrant colors. You can tell the artist put a lot of work and dedication to his craft!

Reviewed item

April 17, 2017

B Becky

She is really into Sugar Skull art and had been looking for a nativity that would also suit her tastes (like black or Emo colors). She was blown away by this. Excellent craftmanship! I just wish that there was a matching manger to go with it.

Reviewed item

April 4, 2017

L Lorraine F.

We gave it to our daughter for her birthday. Each piece came individually gift wrapped which added enjoyment. She loves the set as do her two children.

Reviewed item

July 8, 2016

K Kay H.

Reviewed item

June 22, 2016

Y Yvonne

While I am not Christian, I appreciate a well-mad nativity scene. The colors are appealing and the design beautiful. These sold very quickly in my retail store, while many other nativity sets are still here after December 25th.

Reviewed item

April 7, 2022

S Sonia

This is my second purchase from this artist. The pieces are very detailed. Love the colors.

Reviewed item

August 12, 2021

A Anthony

Beautiful craftsmanship.

Reviewed item

Reviews for

This item (3)

Jose Canil Ramos (23)

April 7, 2022

S Sonia

This is my second purchase from this artist. The pieces are very detailed. Love the colors.

February 15, 2019

F Floyd

December 1, 2018

G Gennifer

March 8, 2019

P Peter

This Nativity Set looks beautiful, and I can assure you, that is one of the best Nativity Sets that we have! The colors are vibrant and the details, clearly shows the dedication and craftmanship of a wonderful artist.We highly recommend this set to any person who loves this type of religious art.Querido Jose Canil, a la verdad que eres un gran artesano y te felicito de corazon. Mil GRACIAS por tu arte, tu esfuerzo y sobre todo, por tu dedicacion!!! Tan pronto hagas los tres Reyes Magos igualitos a estos, pero un poco mas grandes, los ordenos...Un abrazo fraternal,Peter y Vanessa K.PUERTO RICO

July 8, 2016

K Kay H.

This nativity set is absolutely gorgeous! I purchased it as a gift for my Bolivian "family". I cannot wait to take it to them and see their reaction! I am so excited to have a gift that all of them can enjoy. I appreciate that a nativity set is an important part of the Bolivian Christmas traditions which makes this gift even more special. I know that the kids in the Casa that my church supports will cherish it. Jose did a beautiful job. I love how this set is a work of art appealing especially to the young adults yet the little ones can safely handle it without fear of it breaking. I may have to order another nativity set created by Jose for myself ï?Š

Jose Canil Ramos

Jose Canil Ramos wood sculptures

"I was born on May 25, 1981 in Chichicastenango and I learnt my craft from my father. He used to carve masks and saints to sell at the Chichi market. This is a very famous market because artisans from all surrounding villages come to sell their creations, and therefore has become a great tourist attraction. For that reason, market days are very important to my family.

"When I was younger dad would only allow me to sandpaper a piece, and as I got older he would let me paint too. It wasn't until I was older that he'd finally let me carve the wood.

"I've always loved this craft and I used to spend hours practicing, but it meant that my school work suffered and I barely managed to study. With a lot of effort and hard work I manage to finish middle school when I was 22 years old. I would like to keep on studying now, I would like to become an accountant but there is no one to help me in the workshop right now, so for the moment I can't.

"I remember well the first piece I ever did completely on my own: an angel. I put it among the things my father took to the market to sell, and then I lost track of it! I hope it got sold to someone who appreciated it because at the time I was only an apprentice.

"I like to develop new styles so I am constantly studying the art work in churches and books for inspiration. I study every little detail to make sure I can replicate it. I start with sketching the piece, then I make a prototype. Most of the time I work with the idea of something, rather than with its photo, because I feel it hampers my inspiration and then I'm not happy with the final product.

"I enjoy this craft because not only is it beautiful, but it is forever linked to the culture and traditions brought over by the Spanish. They introduced us to their saints and some of the masks were worn for dancing.

"I've been dedicated to this craft for years, and I still feel that I continue to improve. Now I share a workshop with my mother. Thanks to the Almighty we have been able to keep afloat without my father, who passed away 18 years ago. This was one of the hardest blows I've received in my lifetime, because I was only 10 years old and I felt lost without his guidance. On top of that was seeing the devastation caused by his drinking and the effects it had on my family, that's why I swore I would never ever touch a drop of alcohol.

"I usually work every day because of the country's difficult economic situation. But when I do get around relaxing, I enjoy painting and carving more delicate figurines. They require more time and I see it as a challenge to refine my skills.

"I also enjoy observing clients' response to my work, especially when they complement me. It fills me with great happiness and makes me want to work even harder."

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Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.

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Maker Badge Confronting Adversity

Jose suffers from a rare facial nerve paralysis and is currently treating the condition with physical therapy.

Maker Badge Job Creator

Jose hires several people in his community which provides them with a stable income for supporting their families.

Maker Badge Preserving Traditions

Jose is a very talented wood carver. He first learned when he was just ten years old from his father. This art has been passed down for generations and Jose plans to continue the tradition and teach his son how to carve.

Maker Badge Moving On Up

Jose's work helps generate employment opportunities for those in his community. With the sales from NOVICA, he can employ other artisans and help change the lives of his workers.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Jose Canil Ramos has received 7 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $250 and the most recent for $2100. Proceeds were used to invest in wood, saws, paints, and sandpaper for production.