Name/Title
CrecheEntry/Object ID
2014.43.2aDescription
a) Multi-layer carousel with carved figures glued in place, 1860-1880 (with the assumption on the later date).
b)Blades, twelve sections of hard paper attached to blue circular wood center, natural-color top with long rectangular hard paper reinforcement through center, underneath painted blue with two gold stars per section. [stored B112 5-3-1]
c-n) Edging, twelve thin rectangular ceramic(?) sections [stored B112 3-2-3]
Nativity carousel, large circular base, vertical pole anchored at the center base works as axle to spin internal apparatus, two center platforms hold intricately carved wooden figures depicting the Christ child's story--the flight to Egypt (per 1956 Chattanooga newspaper story) on the top deck and the four wise men on the lower tier. {The Bible does not specifiy the number of magi, although it is generally thought of as three.)
Topped with propeller/blades that attaches to the axle. Rising heat from burning candles moved the carousel's blades, causing the platforms with carved figures to slowly turn.