Provence's Figurines (23)

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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.

Cygne 9 cm

Loup 6 cm

Loup 9 cm

Camel with bleue blanket

Camel with yellow blanket

Camel with red blanket

Camel standing blue blanket

Camel standing yellow blanket

Camel with red blanket

Camel with bleue blanket

Camel with yellow blanket

Camel with red blanket

Camel with yellow blanket

Camel

Dromedary lying down, blue

Dromedary lying down, yellow

Dromedary lying down, red

Dromedary lying down, blue

Dromedary lying (orange)

Dromedary lying (red)

Dromedary lying (yellow) 9 cm

Dromedary lying (red)

Dromedary lying (green)

Bull calf (young Bull)

Bull calf (young Bull)

Bull calf (young Bull)

Wild boar

Wild boar

Wild boar

Wild boar

Camargue white horse

Camargue white horse

Camargue white horse

Bear

Bear

The history of the Santons of Provence