This stable with Nativity ornament is handcrafted in Bethlehem by the Giacaman Family, master olive wood carvers whose work reflects generations of tradition and artistry. At the heart of the family craft is Ibrahim Giacaman, a fourth-generation Christian woodcarver who, along with his father, Salem, runs the largest olive wood factory in Israel. Ibrahim first learned the art of carving from his father and grandfather, Elias, later studying art and sculpture in Bethlehem and at the Academy of Fine Art in Florence, Italy. Today, he works alongside his family, personally creating designs and finishing each piece by hand. Each ornament is carved from olive wood sourced from branches pruned from olive groves, never from cut-down trees, honoring a sustainable and time-honored practice. The branches are naturally dried for a year or more before carving begins, allowing the wood to develop its rich character and beautiful grain. Great care is taken in selecting and shaping each piece to highlight the natural patterns of the wood, with small cracks, knots, and variations embraced as part of its authentic beauty. Because of the handmade nature of these ornaments, each stable is unique and may vary slightly from the photo, making every piece a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
