In the wake of popular American interest in European Krampus traditions, few Pennsylvanians are aware that the commonwealth is the New World point of origin of an equally legendary and fearsome figure known to the Pennsylvania Dutch as the Belsnickel.
Although interpretations of the Belsnickel have varied considerably throughout Pennsylvania, many Berks County families remember a time when the tap-tap-tapping of the Belsnickel’s birch switches against the window was a foreshadowing to the children of what was to come. Clad in furs, smeared in soot, and waving a bundle of birch switches, the Belsnickel served as both bearer of gifts and the agent of punishment in the Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas tradition. The Belsnickel typically was masked and dressed in patched and tattered clothes, sometimes carrying a whip or crowned with horns.
14 comments:
This new creature is stunning. Wow.The tattered skin and then that creepy look from those eyes.Insanely well done.And a wonderful play of colors in the lighting by Belsnickel completes the whole thing.You made my day with that.A masterpiece.
Holy cow! I super appreciate that!
Another awesome piece! Yea, the natural look makes it spooky.
It's all a great design and very well executed (not to mention super-creepy), but I'm really drawn to the intricacy of material around the hood...the intertwined vines(?) at the edges of the fur creates such a great transition, and is just a fantastic detail that caps everything off.
I love that it manages to come across as intricate and sculptural while remaining chaotic and organic.
He's really tremendous!
Aw, man, thanks, guys.
Get this, that head "crown" is one of the vine crowns from a KING from the 2018 display. I had them laying around still, so I cut one up the back and split it.
Some more critters coming soon. The Hexeglaawe PA tour of the Weird has been very fruitful. Never expected to get a shot of Belsnickel. haha
And, RM, you have a Gift of Word. You should definitely be reviewing fine spirits and food, and pretty much ANYTHING, if you're not already doing so. Always appreciate your thoughts and welcome your comments immensely.
Well, I'd say that's a very generous description of my nonsense, but it's definitely good to know that I haven't managed to wear out my welcome with it just yet.
I basically spend my days engaged in a LOT of dry and soulless technobabble, so being able to take a break from that and spend some time learning about and / or remarking on inspirational or creative endeavors is a VERY enjoyable change of pace. ;)
Lovely piece Rot! Something dark about ancient traditions, love the torn look!
Thanks, man!
This is Amazing! The eyes really stand out. And the hood and vine crown are wonderful.
Totally bringing the creepy Christmas vibe!
Thank you!
And I have to thank Wren again for this great concept for the Hexeglaawe series. I had never even heard of Belsnickel before.
I've never heard of this guy either but what a cool cool concept!!! I'm looking forward to reading up on Belsnickel and the Pennsylvania Dutch folklore. He is really beautiful, Rot!
And I too am fascinated with his hood and garb!
Thanks!!
So good! And as you can see, I'm going backwards in time on your posts. Thank you for the background.
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