Burkina-Faso

The following Nativities are each displayed in a unique permanent setting created by Marian Library Crèche Collection volunteers. The descriptive text for each was written by Father Johann Roten, S.M.

Feast of the Upright People
G. Tassou

Burkina Faso, formerly Upper-Volta, is a landlocked country south of the Sahara Desert in Western Africa. A longtime French colony and overseas territory, the religious culture of the small number of Christians has been marked by French missionaries. Roughly translated, Burkina Faso means "the land of the upright people." In fact, the proud and elegant bearing of the figurines in this Nativity set reflects the national motto with great accuracy. Made of yellow metal, which is an alloy of copper and tin, the personages show a similarly composite cultural provenance. If the overall impression is African, there are many details for example Mary's veil, Joseph's staff, and the wise men's crowns which are of European (French) origin. The artist is an alumn of the National Center of Arts and Crafts in Ouagadougou, the capital Burkina Faso. Communities of artists are one of the important pillars of African culture, and Christmas is truly the feast of "the upright people," in Burkina Faso as well as in other countries.

– ML.1120.02