It Turns Out that the Donkey of Provence - l'Âne Provence - Le Bourriquet - is Special Indeed

Posted on November 03, 2015 | 0 Comments

We have always found Marcel Carbonel's pack donkeys to be very special. They are one of our favorite figures and are definitely more than cherished by our customers.

Carbonel provides us with three pack donkeys - the Donkey with baskets of fruit, the Donkey with sacks of flour, and the Donkey with fagots (bundles of wood). Shown here is the Donkey with Fagots in Size #3 - Click here to find them in Sizes #1 - 3.

Personally, our first experience with pack donkeys was in Morocco in the mid-1960s. Travelling in southern Morocco we would experience them in the mountains, traveling with their families, packed to the gills with all their possessions, young animals, and the youngest members of their families alike. We early learned to slow our pace to allow them to prevail on the road.  Although not taken by us nor in Morocco, this photo always brings back those wonderful memories.

Memories that come to mind as we wrap up your pack donkeys ever so carefully - knowing how much joy they will bring you!

It turns out the donkey of Provence is special to us, and ever so special to Provence.

They came close to dying out. But, the people of Provence have made certain that would not happen.

They were especially bred for strength to help shepherds with sheep herding and the seasonal migrations - transhumance. The earliest records of Shepherds of Provence using pack donkeys dates to the fifteenth century, particularly during the seasonal migrations between the low ground where the sheep over-winter and the high alpine pastures where the sheep spend the summer months.

The donkeys of Provence were selected for their solid bone structure for carrying heavy loads, their docile temperament and good legs to carry them along the shepherds' migratory paths. The donkeys are outfitted with pack saddles that carry the equipment and supplies needed by the shepherds along the journey.  

Modern transportation caused a sharp decline in the population of the Provence donkey (13,000 at the end of the 19th century, 2000 in 1956, and 330 in 1993. In December 1992 a breeder's association, the Association de l'Âne de Provence, was formed. They worked with the Haras National, in Languedoc-Roussillon to achieve recognition of the breed. In November 2002 the Provence donkey received the official recognition of the French ministry of agriculture. The current population is estimated at 1500. 

One can understand why they are an integral part of Provence heritage and thus, are important figures in the Marcel Carbonel creche. 

Enjoy our Marcel Carbonel Pinterest Board - Click here / and our Pinterest Board on Pack Donkeys - Click here

Posted in About Us, Carbonel Santons, French Christmas, Nativities, Provence Christmas

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