I bought these figures at an outdoor market in Niamey, Niger in 2009. They are carved from soapstone. The rough carving is polished with water before it is blackened with fire. The final step is to etch in the details.
The shepherd is identified by the typical conical African shepherd's hat. The wisemen are on the right. Animals in the stable include a sheep, two camels, a donkey and a hippo.
The following pictures were taken the day I bought this nativity set.
This craftsman worked in a shed behind the sellers in the outdoor market.
Carving the stone.
Polishing the figure before blackening it.
Selling in the market.
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