This inviting angel was probably made to be used in a nativity scene. Certainly its physical attitude, with outstretched arms and spread wings, is suggestive of angels placed above the Christ Child as He lies in the manger. Nativity scenes have been popular throughout Latin America since the earliest days of the colonial period. Originally displayed in convents and used to teach the story of Christmas, today they are found in private homes as well as churches. Convents in Ecuador still make and display nativity scenes consisting of hundreds of objects; many characters are dressed in local Ecuadoran attire acting out scenes of typical Ecuadoran life.