Dec 18
The Hyde family of Utah, USA, have a beautiful collection of nativity scenes from Asia, Latin America and Africa (at that link, click the small photos to get larger photos and a description with some interesting background info).
Among my favourites are the beaded dolls above, which were made by Zulu women in a South African co-operative, the Asante Holy Family from Ghana, and the adorable (see the llamas? and the little roly-poly wise men?) Bolivian nativity.
The Hydes also offer Nativity scenes for sale. They
buy the Nativities at whatever price the artisans desire and then sell the sets at a modest profit. All profits are returned to charity in Third World countries.
More information and contact details are available on their site.