Product Description
Handmade Peruvian Nativity Set by Richard Chávez
Ayacucho Folk Art – 11 Pieces (1990)
Hand-Sculpted Clay • Natural Dyes • Traditional Andean Style
This exceptional, one-of-a-kind 11-piece nativity set was handcrafted in 1990 in Ayacucho, Peru by master folk artist Richard Chávez, from a region internationally recognized for its rich ceramic and devotional art traditions.
Each figure is individually hand-sculpted from clay and painted using natural mineral and plant-based dyes, resulting in warm, earthy tones and a soft matte finish. The traditional Nativity scene is interpreted through a distinctly Andean cultural lens, blending Christian symbolism with highland Peruvian life.
The figures are dressed in traditional Andean attire, featuring hand-painted textiles, ponchos, hats, braids, and regional details. Facial expressions are finely modeled, reflecting the storytelling tradition and craftsmanship associated with Ayacucho folk art.
Condition Notes (Important)
This set is in overall very good vintage condition for its age, with one known damaged figure, clearly shown in the photos:
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The shepherd boy’s bowl of cuy (guinea pig) has broken off
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There is a small chip on the shepherd boy’s poncho
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There is also a small chip on the shepherd boy’s hat
All other figures are intact. These flaws are consistent with age and handmade clay sculpture and do not detract from the overall beauty, rarity, or display presence of the set. Please review photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
Details
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Artist: Richard Chávez
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Year: 1990
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Origin: Ayacucho, Peru
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Materials: Hand-sculpted clay
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Paint: Natural mineral and plant-based dyes
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Style: Traditional Andean / Ayacucho folk art
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Number of Pieces: 11
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Condition: Vintage handmade set; one figure with noted damage (see Condition Notes)
This nativity set is both a meaningful devotional display and a high-quality collectible example of late 20th-century Peruvian folk art, ideal for collectors of Latin American art, cultural heritage pieces, or distinctive Christmas displays.
