The santon maker of Ansouis

Over the centuries, the scenes of the Nativity were performed by actors on the churches’ forecourt, then living cribs appeared in the Middle Ages. These "extras" were replaced by figures in wood, wax, pasteboard, faience and even glass in the 16th century. The santons of Provence, small figurines in clay, very colored, were born in Marseille during the 18th century. They are traditionally 7cm high and represent characters with local costumes.