Twelve Piece Cochiti Pueblo Nacimiento

This is a stunning nacimiento set made by long-time Cochiti potter Seferina Ortiz, one of the most respected potters at her Pueblo. She specialized in making figurines—storytellers, nacimientos, and animal and human figures. A collection of 32 items of pottery by Seferina is in the Peabody Museum of Harvard University. She is considered one of the matriarchs of the potter population of Cochiti Pueblo. Not only did she leave a legacy of her pottery, but she also left a legacy in her children—Joyce, Janice, Inez, Virgil, Leon, and Angie, some of whom are considered top potters today.

This twelve-piece set consists of the Holy Family, Three Kings, an angel, and four animals to include a camel. Additionally, one of the kings carries an animal over his shoulder. Mary is dressed in a traditional pueblo dress that rides over one shoulder and under the other. It is secured by a fabric belt around her waist and over her head she wears a shawl. Joseph wears traditional old-fashioned pueblo clothes, also with a garb that rids over one shoulder and under the other. He is wearing open toed shoes. Baby Jesus rests in a cradle.

Behind the Holy Family, there is an angel blessing the family and four animals. There are two sheep, a donkey, and a camel. Behind Joseph are the three wise men, each dressed slightly differently. One carries an ear of corn, one a blanket, and one a sheep, as gifts honoring baby Jesus. Altogether, this is a wonderful scene in quintessential Cochiti style.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Twelve Piece Cochiti Pueblo Nacimiento is from the estate of a California client of Adobe Gallery

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

TAGS: Laurencita Herrera, Southwest Indian Pottery, Cochiti Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Seferina Ortiz