Many years ago when my grandmother was into ceramics she made these mother of pearl manger scenes for each of her sons. I inherited this one. We have always laughed over this particular figure as it is pretty androgynous and does have a belly button. I asked for some feedback and one of my cousins informed me it is a shepherd overcome by the star.
That may be, but it will always be the Belly Dancer of Bethlehem here. And just to set the irreverent record straight, this retired church secretary has many manger scenes.
