Santonniers

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A santon is a small hand-painted figurine cast in terracotta or a similar material that is used for building nativity scenes. Santons are a traditional product of the Provence region of southeastern France. A maker of santons is called a santonnier. The word "santon" comes from the Provençal "santoun," or "little saint." They became popular during the French 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 on Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Aubagne. 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 domestic creches. 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.

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Article title : Santon (figurine)
"Provence region of southeastern France. A maker of santons is called a santonnier. The word "santon" comes from the Provençal "santoun," or "little saint..."
Article title : Patrick Fiori
"Franck Fernandel, who offered him a role in the musical La Légende des santonniers. In 1985, at the age of 16, he recorded his first song "Stéphanie" with..."
Article title : Farandole
"Comtadin clothing, with the different clothing nuances provided by the local santonnier. The dancers and the drummer wear an almost identical costume made up..."
Article title : List of people from Marseille
"Jean-Louis Lagnel (8 February 1764; d. Marseille, 16 September 1822) - santonnier Henri-Édouard Lombard (21 January 1875; d. Paris, 23 July 1929) - sculptor..."
Article title : Jean Max Tixier
"d'octobres, le Cherche-midi, 2005 ISBN 978-2-7491-0422-5 La fiancée du santonnier, Les Presses de la cité, 2002 Le crime des Hautes Terres, Les Presses..."

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