Rita Lewis Four-Piece Polychrome Nacimiento [SOLD]

This four-piece polychrome Nacimiento includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and a steer. Both Mary and Joseph's eyes are closed with mouths open in storyteller fashion, and they are kneeling. Jesus is carefully swaddled with arms extended, eyes open and admired by a lowing steer. The classic Cochiti Pueblo nature of the clay and slip alongside the simplicity of the scene are a testament to the heritage and artistic vision of pottery artist Rita Lewis.

Pottery by Rita Lewis has always been made in true traditional fashion, using Cochiti Pueblo clay, slip, and vegetal paints, and firing the pieces outdoors. Her whimsical figurines have always been a favorite of collectors.

Rita Lewis (1920-1991), the daughter of the famous Cochiti potter, Ascencion Banada, married Ivan Lewis (1919-2001), son of the famous Acoma potter, Lucy Lewis. Together they started making bowls and animal figurines around 1971, and storyteller figurines around 1973.  

Rita Lewis was not included in Monthan's book on Nacimientos, published in 1979, so it is assumed that she was not making Nacimientos at that time.  There is a set by Rita and Ivan, dated 1980, in the book “Clay Mirror” which might be the time they began making Nacimientos.  Rita passed away a decade later, so she probably did not make many Nacimientos in that last decade of her life.

Condition: There is some very slight abrasion to the slip but otherwise this Nacimiento is in good condition.  Joseph is signed, Rita Lewis

Provenance: this Rita Lewis Four-Piece Polychrome Nacimiento is from a private collection

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

Relative Links: Helen Cordero, Dorothy Trujillo, Mary Frances Herrera, Seferina Ortiz, storyteller, Lucy Lewis, Ivan Lewis, Cochiti Pueblo, Rita Lewis, Cochiti Pueblo Potter