We are proposing authentic santons from Provence, designed and made by three santonniers (santon makers) of international renown : Les Santons Didier, Les Santons Fouque and the santons of Les Ateliers Marcel Carbonel.
The creation of santons is a tradition, taught by franciscan fathers, which originated from Provence in the 13th century, Provence's craftsmen's specialty being the making of cribs (mangers) representing nativity scenes.
History of Santons
Since renaissance, nativity scenes in cribs, composed of sheppards and the three Magis (The Three Wise Men) were commonly found in Provence's churches, the French Revolution (1789) helping its popularity and development. The closing of churches and the forbidding of worship, have both incited the marseillais (inhabitants of Marseilles) to make cribs at home for nativity scenes with small figures made of wax , clay and bread crumb (soft part). Santons were born.
Community workers of different fields were also represented in the small figures along with the already popular biblical characters. Those figures are very detailled and expressive. The are named Santons de Provence, literally « Santons from Provence ». The name itself comes from the local dialect and means « little saint ». The popularity of santons became so great in France that festivals were organised. The first was held in Marseilles on december 4th 1803. Nowadays, the santons are sought after by art collectors.
