Peruvian Nativity Gourd Ornament

This handcrafted Christmas ornament is a Peruvian folk art diorama featuring a miniature nativity scene nestled inside a dried, pear-shaped gourd. The natural exterior of the gourd is decorated with painted details, including a prominent brown boot and a white starburst. Inside the red-rimmed opening, tiny, colorful ceramic or clay figurines represent Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus in the manger, accompanied by several onlookers. Finished with a gold hanging thread at the top, these traditional "retablo" style ornaments are commonly handmade by artisans in Peru.