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Smoking Men (or “Rauchermanner” in German) are a traditional craft from the Erzgebirge region of Germany.  This area is known in English as the “Ore Mountains” and is located along the Czech Republic border, between Dresden and Zwickau. Smokers are made to burn incense, with the smoke often coming out from the figure’s mouth.  In the rural tradition of the Erzgebirge, incense was burned to bless the home and bring good luck and good health to it occupants.  Smoking Men first appeared in the early 19th century.  These figurines represent the folk life of those early times.  Many occupations, trades and rural activities are portrayed, most often as a male figure smoking a pipe. The mines are long gone, but Smokers are still lovingly made by hand.  Although today the smell of incense curling up from their “pipes” is most closely associated with the Christmas celebration, they are a festive “good wishes” addition to any setting.