Peace and Unity

Working with natural fiber from the cabuya succulent, Costa Rican artisan Blanca Padilla creates a stunning nativity scene. Joseph and Mary are fully-realized in sculpture form, wearing cotton clothes. Joined by two farm animals, the proud parents overlook baby Jesus in his cradle. Jesus is removable from the cradle.

The art and skill of creating handicrafts from cabuya has been handed down through Blanca Padilla's family for generations. The artisan sources her material herself, growing and harvesting the cabuya, extracting the fiber, and preparing it for use in the handicrafts. Blanca Padilla hopes to help revitalize the cabuya craft industry with the success of her designs.