Name/Title
African Wise Man Figurine, German Nativity Scene, c. 1920sEntry/Object ID
2025.32.10Description
Acc. No. 25.32.10
Subject Category: Christmas, Seasonal
Date or Period: c. 1920
Object: Manger / Nativity Scene Figurine
Description: Statuette of gypsum of a standing man, bent forward, left foot forward, left hand on hip, holding a box with domed top. The figure is hand-painted and glazed, with black skin, wearing a sky-blue robe, orange cloak, purple turban with gold top, and red shoes. Hem, sleeves, neckline and belt and cap are decorated in gold-paint. The jar is painted silver, and the base is painted moss-green. Underside is stamped: 'GERMANY' in black.
Size: H 5 1/8 x L 2 x W 2 1/8 inches.
History of Object: Figurine of a Wise Man, according to German tradition, one representing youth, Africa, and bringing gold. Part of a Manger or Nativity Scene of the Martin Family, who came to Alameda in the early 1900s.
Donor: Estate of Nancy Martin
Donation Date: 2016
Catalog Date: 2/14/2025
