Cochiti Pueblo 10-piece Nacimiento by Ada Suina [SOLD]

Ada Cordero Suina (1930-present) resumed making pottery figurines a few years ago after several years of not doing so following the death of her husband.  She relied so much on his help in digging the clay and working it to a point where she could form the figurines. Now, at age 83, she has to do everything by herself, therefore it is taking significantly more time to complete a piece. She is not very actively making pottery at this time.

According to Ada, she made her first nacimiento in 1977.  Ada immediately achieved fame with her nacimientos.  The Museum of Albuquerque, which opened in 1979, immediately purchased a nacimiento set from her for its permanent collection.  Ada was included in the 1979 book Nacimientos by Guy and Doris Monthan (see link below for more information on this wonderful book).

This Cochiti Pueblo nacimiento is an older set, probably over 10 years old.  The original date of acquisition is not known.  The set consists of 10 pieces—Mary, Joseph, Jesus, cradleboard, three Kings and three animals.  The Kings carry gifts of ears of corn, a rabbit, and an empty bowl that could be filled with anything one wants to put in it.  The animals are a sheep, goat and cow. 

Condition:  overall the set is in very good condition with the exception of two minor problems.  Both ears of the cow were broken off and glued back in place.  The headband of the middle-size King has a crack at the end of the ribbon.  Both of these pieces can be professionally repaired and we will offer to do that without additional cost if the purchaser wishes for it to be done.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Nacimientos: Nativity Scenes by Southwest Indian Artisans by Guy and Doris Monthan