Cochiti Pueblo 8-piece Nacimiento Set [SOLD]

Josephine Arquero 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. She is now 85 years of age and is still making pottery to the best of our knowledge.

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 before that time. We did have a set of hers in our 1980 Christmas Nacimientos exhibit, so she was making them by then.

In this set, Mary, Joseph and the Angel are looking upward to Heaven as if offering thanks. The cow has the most amazing comical look. The set is charming. Josephine has a wonderful sense of humor and it displays in her work. She signed each piece, some with initials.

Condition:  original excellent condition

Provenance: from the personal collection of Nancy Shroyer Howard, author of the children's book Helen Cordero and the Storytellers of Cochiti Pueblo, Davis Publications, Worcester. 1995

Recommended Reading:  Nacimientos - Nativity Scenes by Southwest Indian Artisans by Doris Monthan, et al.