Mary Lowden Polychrome Pottery Large Acoma Pueblo Nacimiento [SOLD]

This Nacimiento tells a story of Acoma Pueblo life, like all of Mary Lowden’s pieces.  The artist enjoys including elements of private Pueblo ceremonies so that outsiders may have the experience of seeing what it is like.  Included in this nativity are two specific elements of Lowden’s life: a dog named ‘Beer Can,’ her brother’s dog who lives in Georgia and her daughter’s first cornmeal.  The cornmeal ceremony is one that takes much time to prepare for, but with this figurine included, a unique peek inside this tradition is allowed.  One figurine kneels, grinding corn into a meal.  

There are three angels, each with highly stylized clothing, hair drawn up into buns, and one is blowing a kiss.  A shepherd corrals four freestanding sheep, two dogs (including Beer Can), two horses, a donkey, and a kneeling cow, and is joined by a kneeling figure with a lamb.  Also unique to this nativity scene is a section of pueblo wall.  Next to the cornmeal grinding figure, another kneels, holding bread.  Three kings offer two pots and a canteen.  All surround a serene Joseph and Mary holding baby Jesus.  

Mary Lowden makes polychrome jars, bowls, canteens, figures, storytellers, miniatures and Nacimientos. She is the granddaughter-in-law of Lupe Chavez, and sister-in-law of Virginia Lowden.

Condition: excellent

Provenance: this Mary Lowden Polychrome Pottery Large Acoma Pueblo Nacimiento is from the collection of a family from California

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

Relative Links: Acoma Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, Mary Lowden, Acoma Pueblo Pottery