Types and poses of shepherd figures
The collection offers a diverse assortment of male figures and young boys captured in their daily activities or in adoration before the Christ Child. Standing shepherds with walking sticks, shoulder bags or pannier baskets narrate the journey to the manger, whilst kneeling or prostrate statues express contemplation and prayer.
Of particular prominence are the figures accompanied by their flock, such as shepherds carrying lambs on their shoulders or keeping goats and sheep close by. Alongside the flock keepers are young musicians with bagpipes and flutes, travellers with lanterns and seated boys with hay carts—essential figures for recreating hamlets and hillsides around the wooden nativity stables and houses.
Guide to choosing sculptures for your nativity scene
To create a harmonious nativity setting, the proportions of the overall composition must be considered. The dimensions of the figures must relate correctly to the Holy Family and architectural structures, ensuring consistent perspective between foreground characters and those placed on raised background terrain.
The colour finish significantly influences the visual impact: classic colour finishes enhance the drapery shades and natural facial tones, whilst natural finishes highlight the grain of the maple wood. To enrich the composition realistically, it is advisable to combine the shepherds with a coherent variety of wooden nativity animals, creating themed groupings along the paths of wooden nativity sets from Val Gardena.
Frequently asked questions
Which wood is used to carve the shepherds?
The sculptures are crafted predominantly from maple wood, a dense and durable timber that allows for detailed anatomical carving and drapery.
Are the colours applied to the figures long-lasting?
Yes, hand-painting ensures warm, durable colours that enhance the details of the garments and faces.
How do I choose the correct shepherd size in relation to the stable?
The figurine size should match the reference height of the collection chosen for the Holy Family, ensuring the scale of the entire setting remains consistent.
