Denise Eustice Polychrome 8-Piece Pueblo Nacimiento [SOLD]

This Pueblo Nativity is a rarity.  Although Denise Eustice likely comes from a well-known family of artists, her body of work is rare and extremely collectable. Her style is also unique.  This 8-Piece Nacimiento set is a three-color polychrome, and each of the adult figurines stand with their mouths open, storyteller style, in either prayer or song.  

Mary is swathed in a decorated shawl, belted black dress and necklace.  Both Joseph and the shepherd hold textiles over one shoulder.  Baby Jesus is tucked beneath a beautiful blanket with rain cloud designs, eyes shut with a smile on his face. The shepherd guides one sheep, who lays next to the baby with its limbs tucked beneath it in rest. Lastly, we have three kings offering gifts.  Two kings wear feather-crown headdresses while the third has hair in a concha.  Baby Jesus is signed D. Eustace MTZ. Zuni/Cochiti ‘88.   

Although we cannot find any biographical information on Denise Eustace, we believe she is associated with Felicita and Ben Eustace.  Ben was originally from Zuni and moved to Cochiti when he married Felicita.

Condition: Some abrasion has occurred specifically on Mary’s hair and the kings’ headdresses but otherwise this Nacimiento is in good condition

Provenance: this Denise Eustice Polychrome 8-Piece Pueblo Nacimiento is from a private collection

Reference: Nacimientos, Nativity Scenes by Southwest Indian Artisans by Guy and Doris Monthan

Realtive Links: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA, Cochiti Pueblo, KO-TYIT, Southwest Indian Pottery, Denise Eustice