Exhibition of Provençal Nativity Figures at the University of Bamberg

The Department of European Ethnology at the University of Bamberg presents an exhibition of Provençal nativity figures (so-called "Santons") from the collection of the former chair holder, Prof. Dr Bärbel Kerkhoff-Hader.

The custom of making nativity scenes out of bread dough originated in the Provence around 1800. As these santons ("little saints") did not keep for long, people soon began to mould them out of clay. This gave rise to a veritable arts and crafts industry and even an apprenticeship as a "santonnier". These nativity scenes in the south of France are not only populated by the Holy Family, ox and donkey, shepherds and wise men from the Orient. Hunters, butchers, lavender and fish sellers, postmen, washerwomen and many more also make the pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem.

The collection on display in Bamberg comes from the estate of Professor Dr Bärbel Kerkhoff-Hader, holder of the Chair of Folklore/European Ethnology from 1994 to 2006, who died on 30 April 2023. She was involved in research into ceramics and clothing, among other things. Bamberg's citizens have fond memories of the Christmas exhibition with nativity figures from Provence, the so-called "Santons", which was shown 25 years ago in Bamberg’s Historical Museum. She discovered and acquired the figures on display during her forays through Christmas markets in the south of France and through the workshops of famous Santonniers such as Paul Fouque (Aix en Provence), Marius Chave and Roger Jouve (both Aubagne). And just like in Bamberg’s most famous baroque Nativity Scene in the Upper Parish, a "manger cat" is hidden within the display.