Native American Nacimientos, Nativity Scenes

“Nacimiento” is the Spanish word for nativity scene or crèche. This art form has been popular in Europe since the fifteenth century.  The first known Native American-made nativities appeared in the late 1950s.  In 1961, the International Museum of Folk Art exhibited the extensive nativity scene collection of Alexander Girard, which included two Native sets.  The exhibit increased interest in the art form, encouraging Native artists to create their own works.  By the 1970s, artists from a variety of tribes were creating and selling Nacimientos. Today, the sets are widely appreciated and enthusiastically collected.

Native American Nacimientos will include 24 sets mostly made by now-deceased artists from a variety of pueblos.  The show’s centerpiece is a 17-figure Nacimiento by legendary Cochiti potter Helen Cordero.  Another highlight is a set by Manuel Vigil, a Tesuque artist who is widely recognized as the creator of the very first Native Nacimiento.  One might assume that the subject matter—highly specific, and religious in nature—would inspire rigid, formulaic artworks, but this exhibit suggests otherwise.  The viewer will notice an incredible amount of cultural and personal expression within the artworks included in Native American Nacimientos.

On November 8 through November 10, Friends of the Crèche—“A society dedicated to the Christmas nativity,” according to its website—will hold its Land of Enchanting Nativities Convention at Santa Fe’s La Fonda Hotel.  Adobe Gallery will welcome Friends of the Crèche to Santa Fe by opening its Nacimiento exhibit on November 8, with a reception from 5 to 7 pm. 

The exhibit will continue through Saturday, November 23rd.