Alaskan Santa with a Polar Bear | Grandfather Frost / Russian Santa Claus

The tradition of including a bear in Russian Christmas decor is longstanding, one laced with historical meaning. Christianity was persecuted in Russia during Communism, and the bear, an old symbol of strength, became the new symbol for Christ among the hidden believers. This piece is a whimsical take on the Alaskan Santa, and is hand carved and hand painted in Sergiev Posad, where the heart of the Russian Orthodox church is located, along with the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra.

The height is approx. 7". Signed by an artist.