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Asanton is a small hand-painted figurine cast interracotta or a similar material that is used for buildingnativity scenes. Santons are a traditional product of theProvence region of southeasternFrance. A maker of santons is called asantonnier.[1]
The word "santon" comes from the Provençal "santoun," or "little saint." They became popular during theFrench Revolution, when the churches were closed and the larger, traditional nativity scenes in churches prohibited. Smaller figurines began appearing in homes, and quickly gained popularity.
The traditional manufacture of santons is centred onMarseille,Aix-en-Provence,Arles andAubagne. In the month leading up to Christmas, there are traditional santon fairs all over Provence where santons of all sizes can be acquired to decorate domesticcreches.
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 themistral and the otherwinds of Provence, holding his hat, with his cloak blowing.
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