Eleven Piece Hand Carved Wood Nacimiento [SOLD]

Many people became aware of Navajo folk art through the book released in August 1994 titled The People Speak - Navajo Folk Art by Chuck and Jan Rosenak. Historical recordings of Navajo folk art date to the 1870s when it was noted that simple mud toy figures were being made. Recognition of the contemporary movement began in the 1960s with artists Charlie Willeto and Tom Yazzie.

Tom Yazzie is noted for his fine woodcarvings depicting Navajo scenes such as a silversmith working or a Navajo woman weaving. He was most famous for his carvings of Navajo ceremonial life.

The birth of Jesus is not generally celebrated as part of the Navajo religion, but Yazzie has made several Nativity scenes. “A little Christianity can’t hurt,” he explains.

His carvings are from cottonwood root and painted with acrylic paints. All his figures are dressed in traditional Navajo clothing.

I first heard of Tom Yazzie when I was working with Guy and Doris Monthan on their upcoming book Nacimientos—Nativity Scenes by Southwest Indian Artisans in 1978.  I contacted him to see if he would make a nacimiento for our annual Christmas exhibit at the Albuquerque gallery.  Over the years, Tom made probably 6 or 7 sets for us and always delivered them in January after our exhibit for the season closed.  We still had no trouble selling his nacimientos even after the holiday season.  The Monthans stated in their book that he had only made four nacimientos sets at that time.

Condition: this Eleven Piece Hand Carved Wood Nacimiento is in original condition

Provenance: This set was made in 1997, at which time we purchased it from the artist.  We then sold it to a client in New York City, from whom we acquired it for re-sale in 2006, at which time we sold it to a family in Albuquerque, from whom we now have it back for re-sale again. We are pleased to have it again as the artist is no longer making them and his nacimientos are very popular with collectors.

Reference: Monthan, Guy and Doris. Nacimientos—Nativity Scenes by Southwest Indian Artisans, 1979

Tom Yazzie Image Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum – Renwick Gallery website.