Vintage Nativity by Manuel Vigil of Tesuque Pueblo

Pottery nativity sets (or Nacimientos) by New Mexico Pueblo artists are some of the most charming pieces of Christmas decor that you'll ever find.

This incredible vintage pottery nativity is by the late Tesuque Pueblo artist Manuel Vigil who is said to be the first southwest Indian artisan to create a Nacimiento. Born in 1900 at Tesuque Pueblo, Vigil initially learned the art of pottery making by watching his mom, Anastasia Vigil work clay, when he was just six or seven. 

Vigil became a farmer and a ceremonial dancer until 1948 when he was hit by a car and severely injured. He had to have one of his legs amputated. Since he could no longer farm, Vigil began to make pottery with his wife Vicenta. Ceremonial dancers were Vigil's earliest figures. He said, "Those first figures were crude and the family laughed at them, but then they won First Prize at the Santa Fe Indian Market."

Around 1959, Vigil made his first Nativity scene. His were, in fact, the first Native American Nativities to be used in New Mexico Pueblo churches. By 1973, Manual Vigil was the only Native artist represented in an international exhibition of nativities held in the Netherlands.

His nativities are marvelous examples of folk art. They're made primarily of clay, but they also incorporate other materials. Interestingly, his Nacimientos are painted AFTER firing which is in keeping with traditional Tesuque Pueblo pottery making.

It's hard to find Manuel Vigil's pottery today - likely because it's absolutely captivating and remains in private collections.

This is one of Manuel Vigil's rare Nacimientos, and it's wonderful as can be! It's a 14-piece nativity set filled with character. Let me list just a few of the most special qualities:

1. Rather than a manger, baby Jesus is placed in a brightly colored pottery bowl
2. A deer dancer is one of the three wisemen
3. Each shepherd is carrying an animal and one of those animals is actually a baby harp seal! I mean, could anything be better!
4. Besides the 3 animals in the arms of the shepherds, there are 4 more adorable animals.

Each time you look at this set, you'll find something new that captures your heart. It's truly something that elicits joy.

The Manuel Vigil's nativity set is from the private collection of Martha Struever, of course. I can just envision her immense delight the day she found this set.

The human figures measure between 6 1/4 and 7 1/4" tall. Baby Jesus' pottery "cradle" and the deer dancer are signed on the bottom. 

If this set feels too holiday for you, keep in mind that elements of this set like the animals the deer dancer and the pottery bowl can easily be displayed year round.

*An extra shipping charge applies on this set as it needs to be packed and shipped extremely carefully and may take 2 boxes.