Neapolitan Presepe

I've started to build, to collect pieces, for our very own (very Italian) Presepe. While these nativities and/or villages are common throughout Italy, I prefer those that can be found at Via San Gregorio Armeno, or Christmas Alley, in Naples. You can read a bit about them here.


I collect the figures and animals from a specific shop (can't remember the name but I have the location memorized). They're made of terra cotta, dressed in a gauze-like material, and then hand painted. {Not real sure of the correct vocabulary for this description.}

Joseph and his sheep -- love the wooly guy!



Have you ever seen three wiser men?



I like the figures, but I especially like the accessories. Oh, the accessories! Mr. Duncan says it's like a doll house for adults. The accessories are from a variety of vendors (all from the same street in Naples), and are all handmade little works of art.



How can you not love the little crates of fruits and veggies? Each one is handmade and sold separately.


This manger, it is probably safe to assume, is a fire hazard. I don't think we'll be plugging it in for an extended time this year. See the little "cage" on the bottom right? Those are little rabbits.

Mary might need a little vino right about now, all things considered.



I love, love, love "cozze." How fun to have this little accessory!



I don't have the obligatory "night sky" and am missing buildings -- but I am in love with this little collection. Each time we return to Naples I insist that we visit Christmas Alley to get a few pieces.

I recently read that Obama figures are quite popular this season.
Boy, would I love to have one of those. . . .