Polychrome 8-piece Nacimiento (Nativity) Figurine Set by Josephine Arquero [R]

Josephine is the daughter of Damacia Cordero and was taught the art of pottery figurine construction by her mother. Josephine’s figurines do not resemble those of her mother’s, but have a character of their own. Josephine is now 80 years of age and is still making pottery.

Josephine was not included in the Northland Publishing book Nacimientos that was published in 1979, so it is assumed that she was not making nativity sets at that time. We did have a set of hers in our 1980 Christmas Nacimientos exhibit, so she was making them by that time.

This set is charming. Mary and the Angel are looking upward toward Heaven as if in astonishment. Joseph is looking straight ahead. None of the adults are looking at Baby Jesus. The artisan signed each piece, and the set is in original excellent condition. It is approximately 20 years old.