Provence's Figurines (19)

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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.

Sheep looking up 6 cm

Sheep standing

Sheep looking up 9 cm

Sheep standing

Sheep standing

Sheep lying

Sheep lying down

Sheep lying

Sheep lying

Sheep grazing

Grazing sheep

Sheep grazing

Sheep grazing

Sheep grazing

Ram

Ram

Ram

Ram

Ram

Dog

Dog (black & white)

Dog (black & white)

Dog

Dog (brown)

Dog (black)

Goat

Goat (white)

Goat (brown)

Goat (white)

Goat

Goat

Hen (white)

Hen (black)

Hen (red)

Hen (white)

The history of the Santons of Provence