Egg serves as grotto in miniature crib

A miniature crib using an egg as a grotto and one carved into the trunk of a palm tree are among the unusual cribs on display at the L'Isle Adam band club premises in Palazzo Xara, Rabat.

The cribs are among works by over 34 exhibitors.

The first live crib dates back to 1223 when St Francis used animals and people to represent the protagonists. In 1517, St Cajetan made a crib using small models which could fit onto a table top, Joseph Muscat writes in the exhibition brochure.

The next phase was the Neopolitan crib, which reached the height of its popularity in the 18th century. This used plenty of figurines but did not give much importance to the grotto itself.

The tradition then spread to Spain, where the focus was on the birth of Jesu, and on to Italy and Sicily. By the 19th century, clay figurines were introduced, which made the cribs accessible to people.

The exhibition is open on weekdays from 5.30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9.30 a.m. to noon and from 5.30 to 8 p.m. until December 14.