Authentic Mona Teller Isleta Pueblo Native American Pottery Nativity Scene For Sale

Product Description

Up for sale is a beautiful, 100% authentic Native American Nacimiento (Nativity scene) entirely handcrafted by the highly celebrated Isleta Pueblo clay artist, Mona Teller. Mona Teller (born 1960) is the daughter of legendary pottery matriarch Stella Teller and is widely renowned for her incredibly expressive, traditionally sculpted clay figurines.

This magnificent single-base art piece features a highly detailed, integrated three-figure scene showcasing Mary, Joseph, and the Infant Christ.

Key Cultural and Art Elements:

• Traditional Attire: Mary is depicted wearing a classic black manta dress over a white blouse, complete with hand-painted geometric sashes and traditional white deerskin wrap moccasin boots (putee). Joseph is sculpted in a clean white ceremonial tunic with a detailed fringed sash tie and red-brown dyed leather moccasins.

• Sacred Iconography: The backs of the figures feature intricate hair wraps. Joseph's hair wrap features a sharp, geometric step pattern which traditionally symbolizes sacred mountains, clouds, and rain in Southwestern Pueblo iconography.

• The Infant Christ: Resting smoothly inside a beautifully molded clay cradleboard with a raised pillow block. The baby features a crisp white swaddling band and open, outstretched arms—a traditional Pueblo motif symbolizing the acceptance of universal life and blessings.

• The "Breath of Life": Both Mary and Joseph feature the signature Teller family stylistic treatment: softly closed slit eyes and open, round "O" shaped mouths, representing the figures actively singing a sacred prayer or breathing the breath of life.

Technical Specifications & Condition:

• Artisan: Mona Teller (Hand-Signed in black slip on the underside: Mona Teller / Isleta / N.M.)

• Material: Native-harvested Rio Grande clay, unglazed matte earth slips (kaolin white, manganese black, and native iron-oxide red).

• Method: 100% hand-coiled and hand-pinched; outdoor open-fired using traditional fuel methods.

• Condition: Excellent / Mint Vintage Condition. This piece has been meticulously preserved. There are absolutely no hairline fractures, cracks, chips, scuffs, repairs, or water stains. The matte slip pigments remain incredibly crisp and dense.

• Extras: Features two protective black felt pads on the base to safeguard both the pottery and your display surfaces.

• Height: 3.50 inches