The Grotesque Nativity from Peru is one of the more intriguing items in our collection. The set has our favorite camels. If a nativity camel ever looked it could spit (as real camels do), these are the one!

“Grotesque” means “odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre.” This set seems to meet that definition in several ways. While many nativity sets are polished and refined expressions of our Savior’s birth, this artist chose to leave the clay natural and rough to the eye and touch. The artist created finely detailed figures but left the tool marks from shaping the figures and decorations plain to define the style of the pieces. The people have oversized features, especially feet and hands, that create a fantastical feel to the characters.

We always like nativities where the characters have realistic emotions and body language. Every face here is individual, with expressions of wonder, exertion, and maybe even discomfort. The body positions are not conventionally posed but are in motion. The wise men are riding side-saddle which allows for a good presentation of the kings’ dress and gifts, but perhaps this was the least uncomfortable position after weeks of travel on a cranky camel!