Crib figures, true symbols of Provencal tradition, occupy a special place in French homes, especially during the festive season. These little clay figurines, depicting the Nativity and the trades of yesteryear, are often much more than simple decorations. They reflect a cultural and family heritage, handed down from generation to generation. However, to preserve their beauty and integrity over time, meticulous maintenance is essential. This article will guide you through the best practices for keeping your santons in perfect condition, so that they continue to embellish your cribs and brighten up your Christmases for many years to come.

Why is it important to look after your santons?

Sentimental and cultural value

Crib figures are more than just decorative figurines; they embody a tradition deeply rooted in Provencal culture. Each santon tells a story, not only of the craftsmen who make them by hand, but also of the characters they represent, taken from everyday life in the past. For many families, santons are much more than an ornament: they are a tangible link with the past, recalling childhood Christmases and moments shared around the crib.

Passing on these santons from generation to generation reinforces their value. By caring for your santons, you're not only making a gesture of material preservation, you're also protecting a family heritage. Keeping these objects in good condition allows you to perpetuate a tradition, evoke memories and, in turn, pass on a meaningful cultural heritage to your children and grandchildren. This maintenance, which may seem trivial, takes on an essential emotional and symbolic dimension.

Preserving the quality of materials

Santons are generally made from clay, a material that is both robust and fragile. Once molded, they are fired and then hand-painted, giving them their unique charm. However, these materials require special care to avoid premature deterioration. Without careful storage and packaging, the santon can deteriorate by cracking (if they are knocked together, for example), the paint can scratch (if they are not packed separately and touch each other), and they can lose their shine by covering themselves in dust or mildew if they are not stored in a dry place, masking their delicate details.

As a result, the risks of deterioration are numerous. Exposure to humidity can weaken paint, while too much light can dull colors. By taking the time to properly care for your santons, you'll preserve not only their beauty, but also their integrity, prolonging their lifespan so that they continue to embellish your cribs for years to come, and even be passed down through several generations.

How do you clean your santons effectively?

Regular cleaning

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your santons, regular cleaning is essential. Santons, exposed to the open air for several weeks during the Christmas season, inevitably accumulate dust. For gentle dusting, we recommend using a soft-bristle brush. This allows you to reach the smallest nooks and crannies without damaging the paint or fine details of the figurines. Alternatively, a slightly dampened microfiber cloth can be used to revive dark colors, provided it is handled with care to avoid excessive rubbing.

As for the frequency of cleaning, it's advisable to do it at least twice a year: before placing the Santons in the crib, to present them in their best light, and after the festivities, before putting them away, to remove any accumulated dust. This simple but regular gesture will help preserve their brilliance and prevent the build-up of dirt that could become embedded over time.

Treating stains and dirt

Occasionally, your figurines may have stubborn stains or soiling that require special treatment. In such cases, it's vital to avoid abrasive and unnatural products. Aggressive detergents and solvents should be avoided, as they can degrade the colors or corrode the clay. It's better to use a damp cloth, but this advice only applies to santons painted in acrylic (as is the case at Maison Fouque). Make sure you're not using gouache paint, or test a small area beforehand.

To deal with small stains, using a soft white eraser is a safe and effective method. It removes marks without damaging the surface of the santon. If a more persistent stain persists, a slightly damp cotton bud can be used with care, taking care not to over-wet the surface. Apply the cotton swab in small, gentle strokes to avoid spreading the stain or damaging the paint.

Special cases

Old or damaged santons require special care when cleaning. Originally, santons were unfired, so before cleaning them with water, make sure they are made of fired clay. Because of their increased fragility, it's best not to attempt to clean them yourself if you're unsure of the methods to use. In these situations, calling in a professional restorer is the best option. These experts have the skills and products to restore your santons while respecting their original material and paintwork. In some cases, they can also repair them, restoring your figurines to their former glory while preserving their integrity for future generations.

Year-round preservation of santons

Proper storage

After the Christmas festivities, when the crib is dismantled, it's essential to store your santons properly to protect them throughout the year. The choice of storage location is crucial to prevent any deterioration. Santons should be stored in a place with a stable temperature, ideally room temperature, and low humidity. Variations in temperature or excessive humidity can alter the paintwork.

When storing, each santon should be carefully wrapped in its own individual wrapping to prevent rubbing and direct contact with other objects, which could cause scratches or splinters. We recommend using tissue paper or non-abrasive cloth to wrap each figurine individually. Next, place the figures in a rigid cardboard box, preferably compartmentalized, to keep them safe and prevent them from colliding. This type of packaging offers optimum protection against shocks and vibrations.

Protection against environmental factors

To preserve the brilliance and integrity of your figurines, it's also important to protect them from environmental factors. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided, even when stored. UV rays can cause paint to fade over time, dulling the appearance of your figurines. That's why we recommend storing boxes in a dark place, away from light.

Humidity is another major hazard for clay figurines. Excessive humidity can lead to the appearance of mold, which can irrevocably alter the santon. To prevent this risk, adding desiccant bags around the storage boxes is a simple and effective solution. These sachets absorb excess moisture, maintaining a dry environment around your santons. Be sure to check the condition of the sachets regularly, and replace them if necessary.

Repairing damaged santons

Despite all the precautions we take, it can happen that some santons crack or their paint peels over time. It is possible to repair such damage, but care must be taken to avoid aggravating the situation. For small cracks, the use of specific two-component ceramic glues is recommended. Apply the glue with a toothpick, a fine wooden spatula or a fine paintbrush to precisely control the quantity, then hold the cracked parts in place until the glue dries completely.

Touching up paintwork requires special attention. If you wish to restore the color of your santons, it's important to choose paints that are compatible with the original ones, ideally water-based paints. If you have no restoration experience, it's best to consult a professional who can advise you on how to harmonize colors expertly, while respecting the style and aesthetics of the figurines.

By following this advice, your santons will remain in good condition year after year, ready to embellish your nativity scene every Christmas and last for generations.

Tips for buying durable santons

Quality criteria to consider

When investing in santons, it's essential to pay attention to the quality of the materials and the authenticity of the workmanship. The best santons are generally made from baked clay, a traditional material that offers superior durability and authentic aesthetic appeal. Fired clay has the advantage of being both robust after firing and sufficiently malleable during manufacture to allow fine detailing, essential for the figurines' expressions and features.

As far as paint is concerned, water-based paints such as gouache do not last over time, due to handling or when the figures are placed in damp foam. The paint dilutes and stays on your fingers over the medium term. Although santons were originally unfired and painted with water-based paints, acrylic paints are more suitable today for santons that will last for generations. It will nevertheless develop a patina and age beautifully.

What's more, it's important to support local artisans, especially traditional santon makers. Buying santons made by artisans in Provence guarantees not only the authenticity of the product, but also the preservation of know-how handed down for centuries. These craftsmen put all their talent and expertise into each piece, resulting in high-quality santons that carry a strong history and cultural identity. By buying locally and wisely, you contribute to the continuity of this tradition, and to the survival of small, often family-run, workshops.

To be sure that a company is not relocating part of its production, don't hesitate to visit the factory to see its workshop and behind-the-scenes facilities, or refer to the government labels or distinctions it holds, such as MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France), EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant), Maître Artisan, Artisan d'Art.

Preventive maintenance right from the start

Before exhibiting for the first time, it may also be useful to perform a light cleaning to remove any dust or packaging residue. A soft cloth will do the job.

This care from the outset is an investment in preserving your santons in their original condition, enabling them to remain beautiful and intact for many years to come. By taking these precautions, you not only ensure the protection of your purchase, but also prolong the life of these precious objects, guarantors of a rich and living tradition.

Maintaining and preserving your crib figures is much more than a simple maintenance task: it's a gesture of respect for a centuries-old tradition and family heritage. By caring for these precious figurines, you prolong their life and brilliance, enabling these witnesses to Provencal culture to continue embellishing your cribs year after year.

From appropriate cleaning methods to ideal storage conditions, every step helps preserve the integrity of your santons. What's more, by choosing quality pieces and supporting local craftsmen, you're actively participating in the perpetuation of ancestral know-how. Whether you want to pass these objects on to future generations, or simply enjoy their beauty and symbolism every Christmas, careful maintenance is the key to keeping your santons in perfect condition.

So, by following these tips, you'll ensure that your santons continue to carry with them all the magic and tradition of Christmas, for many years to come.