CRECHE

CultureCanadian

Datec. 1970

Dimensions.A: 8 x 3 cm (3 1/8 x 1 3/16 in.) .B: 14.3 x 4.2 cm (5 5/8 x 1 5/8 in.) .C: 15 x 4 cm (5 7/8 x 1 9/16 in.) .D: 13 x 4.3 cm (5 1/8 x 1 11/16 in.) .E: 14.5 x 4 cm (5 11/16 x 1 9/16 in.) .F: 15 x 4 cm (5 7/8 x 1 9/16 in.) .G: 14.7 x 4 cm (5 13/16 x 1 9/16 in.) .H: 13 x 5 cm (5 1/8 x 1 15/16 in.) .I: 5.5 x 10 cm (2 3/16 x 3 15/16 in.) .J: 2.1 x 2.5 cm (13/16 x 1 in.) .K: 2.6 x 2.4 cm (1 x 15/16 in.) .L: 0.6 x 0.7 cm (1/4 x 1/4 in.)

Object numberHF.2022.35.7a-l

DescriptionNativity scene consisting of 8 handmade figures (A-H). Each is constructed out of plain white cotton with details embroidered in brightly coloured embroidery thread. Figures include the Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Angel, Shephard, and the Three Wise Kings. All figures have a stiff, flat base, except for the Angel and Baby Jesus. Also included is a manger (I) made of dark brown wood twigs with a white synthetic fiber lining. The twigs are held together with hot glue. On either end are two twigs, which cross to form an “X”. Eight twigs are attached width-wise between the two “X”’s to form the container of the manger. Two miniature wooded containers (J-L)with removable lids. A third, convex lid(?) with flat base is also present. Both containers have pencil markings on their base: “25” and “.35”.

Narrative

This handmade nativity set was made in the early 1970s by Marjorie Hooper Dalziel (1941-2022) an author and playwright from Rustico, PEI. Dalziel learned to sew at a young age from her grandmother, Margaret Stevenson Clark. Over the years her projects served both practical and creative purposes including clothes for her children, quilts, and handmade gifts. This set is said to have made an appearance in Dalziel’s home every Christmas.

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