Every so often, we have the opportunity to work on a Nativity whose design comes from artists from an earlier time. Usually they are repair jobs from many years of family celebrations, but other times we get to build on these older designs in a line we call Nativities Reimagined.
This scene takes its inspiration from the typical Tyrolean landscape of the Dolomite Mountains. The Tabia is a mountain style barn signature to the alpine communities of Northern Italy. Dating to the early part of the 17th century, these Tabia were built to house cattle and had drying lofts for crops like hay and root vegetables. This Tabia barn was made in the 1980’s for the Ulrich Bernardi Nativity by the Anri company, one of the most well-known makers of Nativities in Val Gardena. The architectural style pairs perfectly with the early Alpine figures from the Hannah Collection by Original Heide, one of the valley’s premier artisans.
To reimagine this Nativity, it was important to make sure that the scene has the power to transport you to a different era. We took the existing structure and gave it a new dimensional atmosphere. We added a tiered rock base to create an intimacy that surrounds the Holy Family and carefully placed adjustable LED lighting to add a dramatic midnight glow. The mountain evergreen trees are from PEMA Woodcarvings. The accessories were sourced from the precepio and belen suppliers in Naples, Italy and Barcelona, Spain and it is finished with a dusting of iridescent snow to add a sparkle of magic. The Holy Family is nestled in the serene corral of the tabia as they are visited by Tyrolean villagers, alpine herders, and animals on this quiet mountainside Christmas night.
