Zuni Pueblo Six-Piece Nacimiento by Troy Sice [SOLD]

While every Pueblo nacimiento is special in its own way, some are truly outstandingly unique and are not seen often. This is the case with this wonderful set made by Zuni Pueblo fetish carver Troy Sice. Sice, who is known for using deer antler in his work, carved this highly intriguing nacimiento using only deer antler, inlaid with turquoise, jet, shell, and coral.

Mary and Joseph are kneeling with their heads lowered. Each wears a necklace of semi-precious gemstone cabs. Joseph wears a concho belt made of jet with insets of semi-precious gemstones, and Mary is seen wearing a cape with inset jet triangles on the front and down the back. Baby Jesus is laid in His manger decorated with similar adornments to his parents.

Each of the three kings wears elaborate carved capes, as well as gemstone necklaces and turquoise and jet crosses down the front. On the back of their capes, each has an etched star. The kings are standing in a joyful and reverent posture honoring the historic and religious scene taking place. Each king wears a feather on his head that was made from shell, possibly mother-of-pearl.

Award winning Zuni Pueblo artist Troy Sice creates carvings using antler and various types of gemstone. He embellishes his antler carvings with inset gemstones and carved designs. His nativity or nacimiento sets are timeless jewels.

Troy Sice won top honors at the 2019 Santa Fe Indian Market by winning Best of Classification award for sculptures. He is a third-generation carver of traditional fetishes.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Six-Piece Nacimiento by Troy Sice is from the collection of a New Mexico family

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

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Pottery Figurines, Zuni Pueblo, Troy Sice