Description
Overview
This is a vintage hand-carved olive wood camel caravan from Bethlehem in the Holy Land: three pack camels and a donkey with rider, linked nose-to-tail by fine metal chain. The caravan is a long-standing form of Bethlehem’s olive-wood carving tradition, and it makes a classic companion to a Christmas nativity. It is likely from the 1970s-90s. It comes from the Craft World Tours Collection, assembled over four decades by Tom and Sherry Wilson.
Design & Craftsmanship
Function & Form: Four free-standing figures joined by their original chains. It measures about 16″ long when chained and weighs 6 oz.
Artistry & Ornamentation:
- Hand-carved olive wood, showing its characteristic contrasting light and dark grain.
- Faceted, hand-chiseled cuts, typical of older carving rather than modern factory work.
- Each camel carries a pack saddle carved with deep vertical grooves, and has carved eyes and ears.
- The donkey carries a stepped, stylized rider.
Structural Base: There are no maker’s marks or stamps, which is typical for these workshop pieces.
Condition Report
Surface Condition: A dry, natural vintage patina. There are rough-cut edges on the donkey’s rider, as carved, and light dust in the crevices.
Structural Integrity: The set is complete: all legs, ears and chains are intact and solid. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.
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