
Beneath a brilliant star, a familiar story finds a home in the Andes.
Mary and Joseph gather around the infant Jesus as musicians offer a gentle welcome with panpipes and a small stringed instrument. Kneeling visitors, a llama, and resting animals surround the manger, while flowering cacti rise against the deep blue night.
In this handmade retablo, Nicario Jimenez brings the Nativity into an Andean landscape through traditional clothing, music, and vivid color. The scene connects the tenderness of Christmas with the warmth of community—a quiet celebration of faith, belonging, and new beginnings.
Floral motifs adorn the open doors, base, and decorative crown, framing the gathering with earthy reds and golden tones. Within, expressive sculpted figures invite you to pause and discover the small gestures that make the scene feel alive.
A meaningful addition to a folk art collection or a cherished Christmas display, this one-of-a-kind artwork carries a story that can be revisited year after year.
📏 Approximate measurements:
• Interior scene area: 8.66 inches wide × 5.91 inches high
• Total height, from base to top crown: 10.63 inches
• Total width with doors open: 18.90 inches
Bring home a Christmas story shaped by Andean heritage and the beauty of work made by hand.
Nicario Jimenez
Artist of the Andes
At our store, we are proud to offer a selection of Retablos created by the renowned artist Nicario Jimenez. Nicario's skillful compositions depict religious, historical, and everyday events, each scene intricately crafted with brightly colored figurines made from a unique doughy mixture of boiled potato and gypsum powder.But what truly sets Nicario's work apart is the personal connection he has to this ancient art form. Born in a peasant community in the high Peruvian Andes, Nicario's sculptures pay homage to the rich cultural traditions of his homeland.We are honored to share Nicario's work with our customers, knowing that each piece was created with care and dedication using only a small piece of wood resembling an enlarged toothpick. His Retablos have been showcased at prestigious exhibitions across the United States, including the San Francisco Craft and Folk Art Museum and the Museum of Man in San Diego.Nicario's work has even been selected by the Smithsonian Institution for its "Seeds of Change" exhibit and is now part of their permanent collection. We believe that by offering Nicario's Retablos at our store, we are not only sharing a beautiful art form but also a personal connection to the rich history and traditions of Peru.We hope that owning one of Nicario's Retablos will bring you as much joy and appreciation for this sophisticated folk art as it has brought us. We take pride in offering high-quality pieces that are not only beautiful but also imbued with a sense of cultural significance and history.