19th-century Provencal Santons
The clay santons were not in the crèche. 
Worn from wear, but still holding on to their humble offerings, they were carelessly abandoned into a basket. Who would have guessed, that their starring role as “little saints,” in the Provençal nativity scene, after all these hundreds of years, were not wanted? Did the *Santonier push them aside as she created new santons in bright jupons, and fishing gear?
“What will become of us?” asked la Poissonnière as she re-adjusted her heavy load of fish? Le Vannier put her baskets down begging, le Tambourinaire, to play some music.
Le Berger sat, pondering what was to become of the simple gifts they had prepared for the Christ child? 
(During the French revolution, churches were being sacked, and objects of faith destroyed. Christians could not celebrate Christmas in the Church; instead they set crèches secretly in their homes, as a way to celebrate their faith.
Santons are handmade and painted Provençal figurines, representing peasants of the 18th and 19th century. They are set in a crèche, a typical French country village, which
surrounds the nativity, Mary, Joseph, the Christ child and the three kings, wear traditional clothing.)
When the strong mistral wind tipped the basket over, I noticed them! Age had not been merciful to their tiny structures, yet their simple gestures caught my attention. I carefully scooped them up, and brought them home. 
*SANTONS or in Provençal language Santoùns. The people who make santons are called Santonier.
Click here to see a Creche of long ago
http://www.santonsmarcelcarbonel.com/images/droite/pagecreches%20images/images/crecheleopolddor.jpg
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