Santa Clara Pueblo Polychrome Nacimiento [SOLD]

This polychrome style pottery had its beginnings at Santa Clara Pueblo with the husband and wife team, Lela (1895-1966) and Van Gutierrez (1870?-1956).  Their children, Luther (1911-1987) and Margaret (1936- ) Gutierrez, continued working in this style following the deaths of their parents.  After Van passed away, Luther teamed with his mother and their collaborative pottery is signed Lela and Luther.  After Lela passed away. Margaret teamed with her brother, Luther, producing pottery signed Margaret & Luther.

There was a period when Luther worked with his daughter, Pauline Naranjo (1931-deceased), possibly in the 1980s.  This 10-piece pottery nacimiento is cosigned Pauline/Luther.  It is quite likely that Pauline made the set and her dad painted the designs.

Mary and Joseph are kneeling, and both have their hands crossed.  Baby Jesus is clothed and lies in a manger.  The three kings bear gifts of a drum, a wedding vessel, and raccoon.  There is a cow with a charming and funny expression, a donkey with large ears, and a sheep with eyes pointing down.

Condition: this Santa Clara Pueblo Polychrome Nacimiento is in original condition

Provenance:  from the estate of Dr. Jack and Maryann Adams of Albuquerque

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