Isleta Pueblo Pottery Nacimiento Set [SOLD]

C3590E-nativity.jpg

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Stella Teller, Isleta Pueblo Potter
  • Category: Figurines
  • Origin: Isleta Pueblo, Tue-I
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size: 6-3/8” tallest
  • Item # C3590E
  • SOLD

Stella J. Teller (1929 – ) signatureIsleta Pueblo is thirteen miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a Tiwa-speaking people.  Early Isleta pottery was undecorated but the potters started to decorate their pottery in the late 1800s after the arrival of a group of immigrants from Laguna Pueblo.  Today, several families are making pottery but that of the Teller family is distinctive because of its use of grey, buff and white slips.

 

Stella Teller began making pottery in the early 1960s and is well known for her use of the color grey and adding turquoise hieshe necklaces to the figures whether it be human or animal.  Stella also polishes the white slip on her animal figures.  Several members of her family make nacimientos but none are as collectable as those made by Stella which can command high prices.  

 

close up of animal figurineThis set consists of three wise men bearing gifts of a leather wrap, a bowl of turquoise and a cradleboard; Joseph and Mary and the Christ Child; a donkey, ram, pig, cow, and lamb.  Essentially, the set is comprised of 11 major pieces, because Baby Jesus and manger are separate pieces and the cradleboard in one King’s hand is a separate item too.  All the pieces are painted in matte buff, polished white and grey.

 

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Kansas

Recommended ReadingNacimientos - Nativity Scenes by Southwest Indian Artisans by Guy and Doris MonthanClose up view of the wise men with gifts

Stella Teller, Isleta Pueblo Potter
  • Category: Figurines
  • Origin: Isleta Pueblo, Tue-I
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size: 6-3/8” tallest
  • Item # C3590E
  • SOLD

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