Provence's Figurines (18)

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4 6 9 13⁺

The history of the Santons of Provence

The history of the Santons of Provence is very old since it dates back to the post-French Revolution period. In this context where the Church has become the property of the State and where religious celebrations are prohibited, believers and the faithful then feel the need to make their own Christmas nativity scene at home in order to celebrate the birth of Christ. . It was in Provence that the making of santons, which mean “little saints” in the Provençal language, began. Initially made using papier-mâché or even bread crumbs, the figurines were then made with clay from 1798. They then became small characters that we kept from year to year. In addition, the techniques are refined and these figurines display more and more details to become true works of art.

Initially, the figurines were intended to represent only the main religious characters of the Nativity which are Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men and of course the child Jesus. Shortly after, the range expanded to highlight all the traditional trades of the time. You can then choose to create a small nativity scene with only the religious characters or think big and complete it with craft figurines.

If the Santons born in Provence are today known and appreciated throughout France, this know-how has remained well anchored in its region of origin and continues to be perpetuated from generation to generation. Furthermore, every year in the south, festivities in honor of the Santons take place in Marseille (where the first Santons fair was held in 1803), in Aix-en-Provence, in Aubagne but also in numerous Provençal villages.

Sheperd with lamb and dog

Shepherd with lamb and dog

Shepherd with lam and dog

Shepherd with lam and dog

Saddler

Saddler

Saddler

Saddler

Saddler

Cooper

Cooper

Cooper

Flower girl

Flower girl

Flower girl

Flower girl

Shoemaker

Shoemaker

Shoemaker

Blacksmith

Blacksmith

Blacksmith

Blacksmith

Blacksmith

Bee-keeper

Bee-keeper

Bee-keeper

Bee-keeper

Bee-keeper

Vegetable grower

Guitarist

Guitarist

Sheep standing

Sheep looking up 4 cm

Standing sheep

The history of the Santons of Provence