Margaret and Luther 10-piece Pottery Nacimiento [SOLD]

Whimsical, charming and delightful are just a few adjectives that could be used to describe this 10-piece nacimiento. Margaret and Luther Gutierrez were the children of Lela and Van Gutierrez, who continued the distinctive family style of making pottery using a variety of colors including red, tan, gold, blue, black, white and green pigments, all obtained from natural sources.  It is only natural that they would have created a nacimiento because the family has long been known for the creation of figurines.

This set is comprised of the Holy Family, three wise men and three animals. Each wise man carries an offering of something characteristic to the Pueblo people. One holds a drum, another a pair of soft white moccasins and the last a beautiful piece of decorated pottery.  Three animals—cow, donkey and dog—complete the set.  Baby Jesús and his cradle are separate pieces.

Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223. It was very popular and inspired similar performances throughout Christian countries. Eventually the characters were reproduced as permanent pieces of art for people to enjoy year after year.

The first known pueblo pottery nacimiento is credited to Manuel Vigil of Tesuque Pueblo and believed to have been made in the late 1950s.  Margaret and Luther Gutierrez made their first set in 1978.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a resident of Washington

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