Szopka Restoration Project
This beautiful szopka ("shope-ka") or creche (nativity scene) was made over thirty years ago and is a Polish Christmas tradition dating back to the 19th century. The style is unique to the city of Kraków, where unlike traditional Western nativity scenes, a Kraków szopka portrays historical buildings from the city and often includes historical and legendary scenes along with the traditional nativity figures.
Szopki originated as puppet theaters where they were used for morality plays during the Christmas season. They were eventually banned from the churches because they became a distraction, but were then taken to the streets and cafes. The custom later grew in popularity with people willing to pay to watch szopka collections or to own them. There is still an annual szopka competition in Kraków today where winners are displayed in the national museum. Similar to the one on the right, they are traditionally made out of cardboard, paint, paper and foil.
This szopka was created by Adam Wleklinski, an artist who emigrated from Poland to Seattle, and was donated to the Seattle Polish Home Association. Over the years, it became damaged. I am restoring it to its original splendor.
Interesting links: