Mexican Tin Nativity set with Box Hand Chiseled

During the 18^th century, tin was brought to México from Europe and its  use became part of common life. Tin's noble characteristics, and its affordability, inspired the craftsmen not only to do home or farm tools, but to create decorative pieces and religious Exvotos (offerings). The tinwork needs a few simple tools, like scissors, hammer and nails, or whatever handy solid item that can be used to modify a tin sheet creating textures and movement. The most common material use to decorate tin is aniline, a vegetable based pigment, adds color and lets the natural plated sparkles shine thru; but the most important tool used to create this pieces is the imagination.