The ‘figurines’ or statuettes crafted meticulously by Neapolitan artisans each tell a story. From hunters symbolising death to fishermen representing life, they weave a rich tapestry beyond religious iconography, delving into themes like life, death, and divine wonder.
Laundresses: Symbolizing virginity and purity, they are portrayed hanging white clothes. Their presence also has a touch of realism, representing the women who would have helped during childbirth.
Hunter and Fisherman: A dual representation of the life cycle, where the hunter signifies death, and the fisherman represents life in a perpetual balance.
Shepherd of Wonder (Benino): Embodies the awe and wonder of humanity in encountering the divine. His sleep symbolises humanity’s dormant state before the Advent of Christ, and his awakening represents the spiritual awakening brought about by Jesus’ birth.
Wine Seller (Cicci Bacco): A representation of the pagan god Bacchus, symbolising the coexistence of different cultural and religious symbols in the nativity.
Uncle Vicienzo and Uncle Pascale: Representing Carnival and Death, they bring a cultural uniqueness and local folklore, connecting divine and earthly realms.
Stefania: Her presence tells a tale of miracles and faith, symbolising unexpected divine interventions and the miraculous nature of the nativity.