5 Vintage German Erzgebirge Wooden Christmas Carolers Choir Figurines

Description

Mid to late 20th century German Erzgebirge hand carved and painted figurines. Set of five Christmas carolers / church choir figures dressed in black capes / choir robes and hats, four holding their music books and one carrying lantern and Christmas star.

"There is no place more famous for its wooden toy making than Erzgebirge, Germany’s Ore Mountain Region of Saxony. This beautiful region is already well-known for its history of mining for silver and other precious metals. But, during the 1700s, this industry began to dry up, meaning that jobs for the local community became scarce. Fortunately, the villagers found a new solution to poverty and unemployment — plenty of lumber trees across the landscape meant that the villagers could practice wood crafting as a new source of income. Another advantage to this new skill was that it could be perfected by people of all ages, with Erzgebirge wooden figures made by families who passed their wood crafting methods and traditions from generation to generation. For the families in the village workshops, the handcrafted toy figurines represented the traditional occupations of their neighbors, such as the farmers, hunters, and the most honored of them all — the miners. Today, many Erzgebirge wooden figures are also inspired by animals and nature and are often assembled to illustrate the history of the Ore Mountains villages and experiences in the mines." (Source: Kuckucksuhr)

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear to paint

Dimensions

0.85" x 0.625" x 1.625" (Width x Depth x Height)