Robin Teller Sixteen-Piece Polychrome Nacimiento Isleta Pueblo [SOLD]

This pottery nacimiento truly showcases the talent of Isleta Pueblo artist Robin Teller.  The consistent matt finish, six-color polychrome palette, storyteller fashion open mouths and specific details make this nativity set stand out from the rest. 

Mary and Joseph sit adjoined on a log, eyes closed, mouths open and hands drawn forward in prayer over their infant son.  Jesus rests in a manger, draped in a beautiful textile, arms outstretched and a smile on his young face. 

The three kings’ arms are laden with gifts of corn in a basket, a flute and drum, moccasins and a blanket.  One king wears the sixth color in this polychrome set with a light blue textile draped over one shoulder.  

A large donkey and six-point rack buck survey the scene resting on the ground with legs tucked underneath them while a rounded black bear stands sentinel, with kiva steps painted on his back and two feathers tucked behind one ear. Joining the group is a bobcat, badger, bald eagle, beaver, fox, skunk, hare, and gray squirrel. 

Isleta Pueblo’s Robin Teller is the daughter of Stella Teller, an artist with a long career of making pottery figurines in her studio at Isleta Pueblo. Stella follows a family tradition of potters as her great-grandmother, Marcellina Jojola, her grandmother, Emeklia Lente Carpio, and her mother, Felicita Jojola, were all pottery makers. Stella Teller began working in clay at the age of eight, helping her mother slip and polish small pots. Robin Teller has been making pottery since 1988, including nacimientos, storytellers, polychrome jars, and bowls.

Condition: There is some minor abrasion to the dark brown elements but overall this nacimiento is in excellent condition. 

Provenance: this Robin Teller Sixteen-Piece Polychrome Nacimiento Isleta Pueblo is from the collection of a family from California

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

Relative Links: Stella Teller, Isleta Pueblo, Chris Teller, Mona Teller, Southwest Indian Pottery, Robin Teller, Isleta Pueblo Pottery