The Three Kings

Object Details

Rivera Group

Description: Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi. The Bible doesn't specify their names or nationalities, only that they were guided by the star of Bethlehem to bring three gifts to honor the birth of Christ, the "King of the Jews." On the Catholic calendar, the Three Kings are celebrated on the 6th of January. On this day, Puerto Rican children traditionally expected their Christmas gifts, not from Santa Claus, but from the Three Kings. This set is from the town of Morovis, probably crafted by a member of the Rivera family around 1900.
Description (Spanish): Entre los personajes más famosos en torno a las historia del nacimiento de Jesús se cuentan los Reyes Magos. La Biblia no especifica sus nombres o sus países de origen, solamente dice que los guió la estrella de Belén para llevar tres obsequios en honor al nacimiento de Cristo, el "Rey de los Judíos". En el calendario católico, el día de los Reyes Magos se celebra el 6 de enero, en cuya ocasión los niños de Puerto Rico esperan que los Reyes Magos, no Santa Claus, les traigan sus regalos de Navidad. Este conjunto de Reyes Magos proviene del pueblo de Morovis y probablemente su artesano haya sido un miembro de la familia Rivera al rededor de 1900.
Location: Currently not on view

late 19th or early 20th century

Physical Description: handmade (overall production method/technique); wood; paint; felt (overall material); wood (overall material); paint (overall material); felt (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 16 cm x 23 cm x 5.6 cm; 6 5/16 in x 9 1/16 in x 2 3/16 in

See more items in: Cultural and Community Life: Ethnic; Cultures & Communities; Religion; Vidal

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-22ff-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa