Large Neapolitan crib on show in Rabat

A typical Neapolitan crib featuring authentic 18th century figurines is on show at the Wignacourt Museum, in Rabat.

Built by Omar Camilleri, Martin Gatt and Hubert Mifsud, the crib includes three separate sections in the Neapolitan tradition: the nativity scene, the shepherds of the annunciation and the tavern.

The nativity scene is located in a Roman house that is in ruins, which signifies the passing away of paganism and the birth of Christianity.

The crib is the brainchild of Fr Edgar Vella who has been researching Neapolitan cribs for the past 20 years. Fr Vella has managed to source from private collections about 60 authentic 18th century pasturi that are being displayed in the crib.

The head and shoulders of the pasturi were made of terracotta, the eyes of glass, while the rest of the body, except for the hands and feet, which were made of wood, consisted of a wire frame covered in tow and hemp. This method of manufacture made it possible for the pasturi to be fitted with moveable limbs so that they could be placed in the crib as one liked. The figurines were then passed on to tailors to dress them up. The head and limbs were painted in various layers of pigment and finished to look like porcelain.

The crib will be on public display until January 6, Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Zurrieq exhibition

An exhibition of cribs, paintings and other items related to the nativity is being held at the recently restored Xarolla windmill in Zurrieq.

It is open up to December 28 between 8.30 a.m. and noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.