Figurines

Santons de Provence: unique creations

Over the years, the Santons of Provence have become true symbols not only in their region of origin but also throughout France. These figurines, made by hand using unique know-how, fascinate both young and old with their finesse and multiple details. Traditionally made to bring our Christmas nativity scenes to life, they can take on a classic or contemporary style depending on the decor you want to have. What is the history of the Santons of Provence? How are they made? Overview in the article!

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2 4 6 9

Blessed Virgin with blue drape

€13.00

2 4 6 9

traditional Blessed Virgin

€16.00

6 9

Seated Blessed Virgin (blue)

€16.00

2 4 6 9

Traditional Blessed Virgin

€19.00

6 9

Seated Blessed Virgin (beige)

€19.00

6 9

Seated Blessed Virgin (blue)

€19.00

13⁺

Blessed Virgin with blue drape

€75.00

2 4 6 9

Blessed Virgin with blue drape

€12.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Jesus on straw open arms

€13.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Jesus on straw

€16.00

6 9

Jesus on flannel blanket

€16.00

Jésus et paillasse séparée 6 cm

€16.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Jesus on Straw

€19.00

6 9

Jesus on flannel blanket

€19.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Jesus on straw open arms

€62.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Jesus on straw open arms

€12.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Saint-Joseph kneeing

€13.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Saint Joseph kneeing

€16.00

Saint Joseph of Nativity standing

€16.00

4 9

Saint Joseph standing

€13.00

4 9

Saint Joseph standing

€19.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Saint Joseph kneeing

€19.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Saint Joseph kneeing

€75.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Saint Joseph kneeing

€12.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Donkey laying on strow

€13.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Donkey laying on strow

€16.00

6 9 13⁺

Donkey standing on strow

€16.00

2 4

Donkey standing on strow

€13.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Donkey laying on strow

€19.00

6 9 13⁺

Donkey standing on strow

€19.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Donkey laying on strow

€75.00

6 9 13⁺

Donkey standing on strow

€75.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Donkey laying on strow

€12.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Ox

€13.00

2 4 6 9 13⁺

Ox laying down

€16.00

The history of the Santons of Provence

The history of the Santons of Provence is very old since it dates back to the post-French Revolution period. In this context where the Church has become the property of the State and where religious celebrations are prohibited, believers and the faithful then feel the need to make their own Christmas nativity scene at home in order to celebrate the birth of Christ. . It was in Provence that the making of santons, which mean “little saints” in the Provençal language, began. Initially made using papier-mâché or even bread crumbs, the figurines were then made with clay from 1798. They then became small characters that we kept from year to year. In addition, the techniques are refined and these figurines display more and more details to become true works of art.

Initially, the figurines were intended to represent only the main religious characters of the Nativity which are Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men and of course the child Jesus. Shortly after, the range expanded to highlight all the traditional trades of the time. You can then choose to create a small nativity scene with only the religious characters or think big and complete it with craft figurines.

If the Santons born in Provence are today known and appreciated throughout France, this know-how has remained well anchored in its region of origin and continues to be perpetuated from generation to generation. Furthermore, every year in the south, festivities in honor of the Santons take place in Marseille (where the first Santons fair was held in 1803), in Aix-en-Provence, in Aubagne but also in numerous Provençal villages.