(Benjamin with Bertina, his wife at a fair in Lima, Peru)
Behind our delicate alabaster nativities is Benjamin Pizarro, an artist from Ayacucho, Peru, who has been carving stone since he was eight years old. Taught by his uncle, he grew up working with piedra de Huamanga, the local alabaster loved for its soft translucence. By fourteen, he was already winning competitions, beginning a career that would take his art far beyond his hometown. Today, his finely carved figures continue to reflect a lifelong dedication to this traditional craft.
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Benjamin enjoys sharing the patience and care that go into his work. Visitors to his workshop are often amazed to discover that even the smallest details are carved entirely by hand. Those who try it themselves soon learn how much practice it takes! For Benjamin, working with stone is a gift from God, one he puts to use in everything from tiny animal figures to larger devotional sculptures. Sometimes, shaping just two feet on a single statue can take him a whole day.
Working alongside his wife and their adult children, Benjamin continues to make this a family craft rooted in Ayacucho’s traditions. While larger commissioned sculptures remain a special passion, the miniature nativities he creates for Lucuma Designs provide steady work and help support his family. Each piece reflects Benjamin’s faith and lifelong dedication to his craft, bringing the beauty and tradition of Ayacucho’s artistry into homes around the world.
Discover Benjamin's Alabaster Nativity Collection
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