Seven Piece Nacimiento Set from Isleta Pueblo

This wonderful nacimiento made by prominent Isleta Pueblo potter Mona Teller features baby Jesus in His manger as the centerpiece, surrounded by both Mary and Joseph, as well as two cows of different colors, a pig, and a sheep. The figures each use a beige slip, although one of the cows is almost entirely brown. To the touch, the slip of each figure is very smooth, while the colorations are more matted.

Mary and Joseph are each dressed in white gowns with orange and brown decorations, designed with traditional Isleta geometric patterns. Baby Jesus is seen in a manger decorated similarly to the clothing worn by Mary and Joseph. Each of the animals is looking onward very peacefully, while Mary and Joseph sing joyfully to baby Jesus.

Mona Teller, Pa-Shawn-Thupa-Wa, Isleta Pueblo, is the great-great-granddaughter of Marcellina Jojola; great-granddaughter of Emilia Lente Carpio; granddaughter of Rudy and Felicita Jojola; daughter of Stella Teller and Louis Teller; sister of Chris, Robin, and Lynette Teller.

Mona Teller is a fine clay sculptor who forms graceful figures for storytellers, nativities, and other figures. Mona has a strong sense of design. She has been an active potter since 1972.

Condition: good condition

Provenance: this Seven Piece Nacimiento Set from Isleta Pueblo is from a private collection

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

TAGS: figurines, Isleta Pueblo, pottery, Navajo, Apache, Hopi, Chris, Robin, Stella Teller