Five Wood Figures Nacimiento Set by Tom Yazzie of the Navajo Nation [SOLD]

This is an unusual nacimiento by Diné carver Tom Yazzie when compared with others we purchased from him.  This is a more abbreviated nativity set, yet has figures different that other larger sets.

As in his other sets, The Holy Family consists of Mary holding The Baby Jesus in her arms.  He is wrapped in a blanket and placed in a traditional Diné cradle board. Mary is seated and Joseph stands next to Mary and Jesus.  Both Mary and Joseph are dressed in traditional Diné clothing and beautifully painted in multiple colors.  

There is a shepherd wrapped in a pink blanket.  Sharing his pedestal is a reclining sheep and a rock. He and the other two figures we have interpreted to be a Diné family, perhaps the owners of the shed where Mary and Joseph took shelter.  The female is shearing a sheep and the old man, stooped over slightly, stands by her. The younger man is perhaps their son.

The impression on the viewer of this set is a relation to the Diné.  It sets the stage on the Diné reservation with a Diné family, Mary holding a Diné cradle, and the group all dressed as Diné.  

Condition: this Five Wood Figures Nacimiento Set by Tom Yazzie of the Navajo Nation is in very good condition with some professional paint touch-up

Provenance: from a client in Connecticut

Recommended Reading: 

- The People Speak - Navajo Folk Art by Chuck and Jan Rosenak

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

Relative Links: Navajo Nation, Nativity, Tom Yazzie, Charlie Willeto, Clothing