• Handmade Small Nativity Set, Hand Carved Olive Wood Holy Family Scene from Bethlehem, hand carved olive wood from Bethlehem
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Handmade Small Nativity Set, Hand Carved Olive Wood Holy Family Scene from Bethlehem, 4.9 inch

Handmade Small Nativity Set, Hand Carved Olive Wood Holy Family Scene from Bethlehem, 4.9 inch

$24.99 USD
$24.99 USD
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This is a small olive wood nativity set from Bethlehem with two tall 3D carved palm trees framing both sides, a small arched opening in the center, and the Holy Family carved kneeling at the base. Two small kneeling shepherd figures sit on the front corners. A complete hand carved nativity that fits on a small shelf or windowsill. Approximate size 12.5 x 11.5 x 6.6 cm (4.9 x 4.5 x 2.6 inches), weight about 140 grams. Sits freestanding on an oval olive wood base. Made by Christian artisan families in Bethlehem.

About this Small Nativity Set

This is a small olive wood nativity set from Bethlehem with two tall 3D carved palm trees framing both sides, a small arched opening in the center, and the Holy Family carved kneeling at the base.

Two tall 3d carved palm trees framing both sides symmetrically, small arched opening in the center, holy family (mary, joseph, baby jesus) carved in a kneeling pose at the base, two small kneeling shepherd figures on the front corners, all on an oval olive wood base. Symmetric 3d carving with two palms joined to the base on either side, central arch as a separate vertical element, holy family carved as a back relief at the base of the arch, shepherd figures joined to the base as small standalone carvings.

A Quiet Detail

The Holy Family on this piece is carved kneeling rather than standing. It's a subtle change but it shifts the whole feeling of the scene from formal posed to intimate, like you're catching them in a private moment. Symmetric palms on either side hold the composition together so the kneeling figures stay the focal point.

Product Specifications

Material Genuine Holy Land olive wood
Origin Bethlehem, Holy Land
Approximate Size 4.9" H x 4.5" W x 2.6" D (12.5 x 11.5 x 6.6 cm)
Approximate Weight 140 g (4.9 oz)
Scene Two tall 3d carved palm trees framing both sides symmetrically, small arched opening in the center, holy family (mary, joseph, baby jesus) carved in a kneeling pose at the base, two small kneeling shepherd figures on the front corners, all on an oval olive wood base
Construction Symmetric 3d carving with two palms joined to the base on either side, central arch as a separate vertical element, holy family carved as a back relief at the base of the arch, shepherd figures joined to the base as small standalone carvings
Finish Hand polished, natural olive wood, no stain
Made By Christian artisan families in Bethlehem
Display Style Freestanding tabletop, sits flat on the base
Packaging Gift-ready, padded for international shipping

The Story of this Piece

Carving the Holy Family kneeling instead of standing was the carver's deliberate choice, a quiet visual cue toward Marian Eastern iconography where the figures are often shown in moments of reverence rather than presentation. Symmetric palms give the composition a chapel-like feeling, the kneeling figures sit at the center of attention.

Who it's For

Bedside table piece for an adult who keeps a small prayer space, gift for a grandmother who has limited shelf space but wants a nativity in every season, parish altar-side accent during Advent, godchild keepsake that grows in meaning as the child grows up, or a small piece for a hospital chapel or hospice common area.

Care Instructions

Olive wood needs almost no maintenance. If it looks dry after years of indoor display, rub a single drop of food grade olive oil into the surface with a soft cloth. Don't soak it, don't put it in a dishwasher, don't display it outdoors in direct rain. Indoor humidity changes are normal and fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the figures kneeling instead of standing?

Kneeling is an older Eastern Christian iconographic pose, the figures are shown in reverence rather than presentation. It's a quieter, more contemplative composition than the more common standing-Holy-Family arrangement.

Are the two palms identical?

Symmetric in design but hand carved individually, so the frond count and exact shapes vary slightly between the two. The intent is symmetry, the carving is what carving always is, distinct in details.

Can the kneeling shepherd figures be moved?

No, both are joined to the base in their designed positions on the front corners. The whole piece is one assembled unit.

How small can a shelf be and still display this?

At 12.5 cm tall and 11.5 cm wide it needs about 13 cm of shelf width with around 7 cm of depth to sit comfortably. A standard windowsill or a small wall-mounted shelf works.

Is there a hanger on the back?

No, this is a freestanding tabletop piece. The base is flat and the piece is designed to sit upright on a surface, not to be wall mounted.

✓ Authentic olive wood craftsmanship from Bethlehem, handmade by Elias Zuluf's workshop — supplying Christian gifts, crosses, and sacred carvings worldwide since 2007.
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