The subject of European Ethnology examines everyday culture in history and the present, including material goods such as nativity scenes and behaviors such as the construction and installation of nativity scenes.
A small exhibition at the University of Bamberg presents various artisan nativity scenes created by a European Ethnology student, along with the stories behind them.
Steffi L. describes the craftsmanship involved in creating the nativity scenes and hand-sculpted figures, as well as the inspirations, memories, and provocative ideas behind them.
In her "nativity stories," visitors gain a glimpse "behind the scenes": They follow the development of the nativity scene maker from the first, relatively stereotypical depictions to unusual ones, and learn about technical challenges, problems with material selection, and personal goals.
