Polychrome 12-piece Nacimiento [SOLD]

Frances Torivio was a sister of Lolita Concho and the mother of Lilly Salvador and Wanda Aragon. Frances was one of the important matriarchs of Acoma and she made large jars in the prime of her life. She was still attending Indian Market in 2001 at the grand age of 96, and proudly displaying smaller pieces of pottery.

Frances was listed in the book Nacimientos in the “Additional Nativity Artisans” section. To quote the authors “Frances Torivio began making Nativities several years ago. The figures range from 1-1/2 to 4 inches high and are realistically modeled with clearly defined arms and legs and extensive detailing. She uses the typical Acoma clay with details in orange and black.”

This is a precious set. It features the Holy Family, Three Kings, an Angel, a Shepherd and his sheep, and a cow and donkey. The bodies of the figures are hollow, coiled as if in making a vessel. The artisan signed the cradleboard.

The set was most probably made in the mid-to late-1980s and is in original excellent condition.