Utz's mechanical nativity scene
A carving work with a unique mechanism
In the building of the municipal office in Olešnice in Orlické hory, about 12 km southeast of Náchod, there is an interesting technical unique. It is a unique technical monument, created by local native Josef Utz in the first half of the 20th century. Nativity scene presents a Christmas story with moving figures and an elaborate mechanism.
Uniqueness and significance
Our mechanical nativity scene is a unique work of its kind. Its technical design and artistic value rank it among the most important monuments of folk art in the Czech Republic. The nativity scene reflects the skill and creativity of Josef Utz and at the same time serves as a testimony of Christmas traditions and folk piety.
Moving figures
Unlike ordinary static nativity scenes, Utz's nativity scene stands out with the movement of the figurines. In an effort to create the perfect illusion of a procession coming to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the author sculpted the figures perfectly and constructed an ingenious mechanism that ensures that they can move their heads, arms and legs, and in some cases even move closer or further away from each other
Dimensional carving
This unique nativity scene, with a floor plan of approximately 5 × 2 meters, was created in the first half of the 20th century in the workshop of Josef Utz, a native of Olešnica. Its precise design and carving work make it truly unique.
What makes the nativity scene unique?
Unlike regular figurine nativity scenes, where the figures stand or move rigidly along a belt, this nativity scene makes the figures move their heads, arms and legs, and some even move closer and further away from each other. Thanks to an ingenious system of drive shafts and gears, the figures sway, turn their heads and perform small actions, adding realism and dynamism to the scene.
Unique mechanical processing
Each figure sits on a separate four-wheeled cart with a single axle in the shape of a two-piece crankshaft. A lever mechanism converts the rotation of the shaft as the carriage moves forward into a swinging motion of the character's legs.
Nativity drive
Near the back beam runs along the entire length of the nativity scene its basic drive component – a metal transmission shaft ending in a wooden pulley. The transmission is driven via shafts and other wooden pulleys by two horizontally rotating leather belts with riveted metal spikes
Central part with cribs
The most elaborate part of the nativity scene is the central part with the manger. An ingenious mechanism ensures the movement of Baby Jesus in the manger, who sits down, turns his head and gradually raises his legs. The movement of the jesus and other figures in the central part is controlled using rockers and a wooden cylinder with protrusions.
Author and history
Josef Utz, a native of Olešnica, was a gifted technician and mechanic. Unfortunately, he did not have time to finish the nativity scene due to a tragic accident while working with a circular saw. Work on the nativity scene was thus abruptly ended in 1944. The unfinished nativity scene and the weaving mill building were nationalized after the war. The nativity scene fell into disrepair, but fortunately it was stored in the museum's depository for 30 years. In 2000, the restored nativity scene was exhibited and made available to the public.
The edges of the nativity scene are therefore not fully finished, but it is still a breathtaking work and shows the author's talent and sense of detail.
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