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Wood Nativity Statue
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Wood Nativity Statue
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Wood Nativity Statue

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.07092013-10-1
Object Type Sculpture
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood (olive)
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 17 1/4 in x W 12 in x D 7 1/4 in (43.8 cm x 30.5 cm x 18.4 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionA carved wood statue depicting the nativity scene featuring the angel Gabriel holding Star of Bethlehem above Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. To the left are the three Magi or wise men and to the right a stable boy holding a lamb. The scene is caved into a tree-like figure resembling a Bethlehem olive tree on a flat base.
Inscriptions and MarkingsEngraved on bottom of sculpture: [Coat of Arms of the City of Bethlehem] Your Excellency Mr. Barack Obama; President of the United States of America May the grace of the Nativity enables you to revive the nativity of peace in our Holy town of Bethlehem Vera Baboun Mayor of Bethlehem Bethlehem Municipality March 22. 2013 Engraved on interior of lid: Hand carved by Bethlehem Superior Artist Munir Twemeh
InscribedEngraved on bottom of sculpture: [Coat of Arms of the City of Bethlehem]
Your Excellency Mr. Barack Obama; President of the United States of America
May the grace of the Nativity
enables you to revive the nativity of peace
in our Holy town of Bethlehem
Vera Baboun
Mayor of Bethlehem
Bethlehem Municipality
March 22. 2013

Engraved on interior of lid: Hand carved by Bethlehem Superior Artist
Munir Twemeh
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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