Pueblo Nacimientos: Traditional Clay Nativity Sets

Since the 1970s, nativity sets have been popular with collectors as highlights of their Christmas decorating theme. These popular folk art pottery sets feature the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus with a decidedly Native American twist. Adobe Gallery continues its holiday tradition begun in 1979 of exhibiting pueblo pottery "Nacimientos" or nativity sets made by Southwest Pueblo potters.

In their own tradition, the Native American artisans have made the figurines in the likeness of Indians. The Blessed Mother may wear her hair up in a chonga, be wrapped in an Native American blanket, and wear moccasins. Joseph may have long, wrapped braids, moccasins and a sash. The Three Wise Men may bring gifts of bread, green chilies, a rabbit, or maybe a bowl of stew or several ears of corn. Baby Jesus may be dressed in beaded buckskin or wrapped in an Native American blanket. The animals around the manger may be black bears, deer, antelope or rabbits.