Santon (figurine)

A santon is a small hand-painted figurine cast in terracotta or a similar material that is used for building nativity scenes.

Smaller figurines began appearing in homes, and quickly gained popularity.

The traditional manufacture of santons is centred on Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Aubagne.

Apart from the standard figures and animals associated with the nativity (including elephants and camels), there are countless other santons depicting traditional characters from Provençal village life, including the motley fool, the miller and the blind man.

Another common figure is a shepherd facing the mistral and the other winds of Provence, holding his hat, with his cloak blowing.