Mother-of-Pearl Nativity Star of Bethlehem

This artifact is a handcrafted Star of Bethlehem commemorative plaque, intricately inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl (nacre) and Abalone shell. At its center is a carved relief of the Nativity scene, featuring Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus under the Star of the East.

The star features twelve points, a common design in Palestinian olive wood and shell artistry, symbolizing the twelve apostles or the twelve tribes of Israel. The Latin inscriptions surrounding the center translate as:

• Gloria in excelsis deo: "Glory to God in the highest."

• Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus Natus est: "Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary." (This specific phrasing is a reference to the silver star marking the exact spot of the Nativity in the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem).

Explanation of Accuracy

The identification of this item is based on the specific craftsmanship and linguistic markers found in the image:

1. Materiality: The iridescent quality is characteristic of the Bethlehem Mother-of-Pearl industry, a traditional craft introduced to the region by Franciscan friars in the 14th century.

2. Linguistic Context: The Latin phrase "Hic de Virgine Maria..." is the official inscription found on the 14-pointed silver star located in the Grotto of the Nativity. The use of this specific text confirms the item is a devotional souvenir intended to replicate the experience of visiting that holy site.

3. Iconography: The combination of the multi-pointed star shape and the central Nativity relief is a standard motif for high-quality pilgrimage art from the Holy Land.