Bethany Britz

 A miniature stage of two parts - a flattened but angled plinth support; and a detachable, convex, golden clamshell. Two tiny arms can affix to the back of the clamshell to create a stand-out mask/facade over the plinth. When the scene requires collapse, this section fits around the lower central half dome and obscures the red dome as a mask.

The cream background is probably flat, and the foliage is probably painted onto it.

The central figure is a carved ivory prop, and can fix to the top of the clamshell to stand or be suspended.

This figure can be God, or Jesus, or an angel, depending on the scene.

It could store fastened to the top of the clamshell.

When the machine is upside down, a nativity scene uses the golden plinth as a mini stage, and the clamshell is repositioned to perch on the supports - the arms and the tab for the figure. This creates an “underneath” area, and the scenery slides under as it recomposes into the figures for the nativity.

The ivory figure cannot lie on the ground! The painted foliage creates a plaza in front of the clamshell, and the angel is positioned around the other side as part of the prophecy fulfilled. A post supports the angel in this position.