Cochiti Pueblo Pottery Nacimiento by Helen Cordero [SOLD]

We generally think of the Pueblo Indians as celebrating their native religious ceremonies but it must be remembered that the Spanish conquerors converted them to Catholicism 400 years ago. With that in mind, it is not out of line to expect to see Christian-related items come from the hands of the potters. This superlative nacimiento or Nativity set from the premier figurative pueblo potter of the twentieth century, Helen Cordero, is an excellent example of such.

This lovely set was formed of native clays with bentonite-based white slip, mineral red and vegetal black pigments. It exudes such wonderful charm and presence. The set comprises 13 pieces: Mary and Joseph, the Christ Child, Three Kings, a donkey, two children, two men and two women.

Cordero was mostly known for inventing and making storyteller figurines but she did occasionally make other kinds. This nacimiento is fantastically rare and most desirable as the product of the fertile mind and skilled hands of one of the great women of pueblo pottery. It is only the second nacimiento by Cordero that we have had in the 33 years of Adobe Gallery.

Condition: The set is in excellent condition and is the nacimiento for the collector of the finest figurative pueblo pottery and the work of Helen Cordero.