Nine Piece Black Nacimiento Set by Paul and Dorothy Gutierrez

This award-winning nine-piece black Nacimiento set by Paul and Dorothy Gutierrez is one of the smallest in Adobe Gallery's collection, with the tallest figure standing at just 1-3⁄4 inches. Despite its petite size, the set is rich in detail and charm, showcasing the Gutierrez family's skill in traditional Santa Clara Pueblo pottery. The Holy Family is warmly greeted by two angels, while a sheep, a lamb, and a small calf add pastoral beauty to the scene. Accompanied by a Gallup Third Place ribbon from 1979, this delightful set is both a collectible treasure and a testament to the potters' renowned artistry.

Dorothy is Diné of the Navajo Nation and has been an active potter since the 1970s. When she first began making her clay figures in 1971, she had expert instructions from Margaret Gutierrez, Paul's aunt. "During her first year Dorothy made ten Nativity sets, along with many miniature buffaloes, beavers, bears, and wedding vases. Since 1972, when she began entering her work in competitions, she has been winning awards at all the major shows in the Southwest. In 1975 her seventeen-piece blackware Nativity won First Prize in sculpture at the fall Indian crafts show at the Deer Dancer Gallery in Denver. At the 1976 show, one of her miniatures redware Nativities took Best of Show in the contemporary category, and she has won the top awards every year since." [Monthan,1979:67]

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Nine Piece Black Nacimiento Set by Paul and Dorothy Gutierrez is from the collection of a New Mexico family

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

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Lela and Van Gutierrez, Luther Gutierrez, Figurative Pottery, Paul and Dorothy Gutierrez