Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0528F   CAS 0370-0528F; Nativity figurine (Joseph)
Category Pottery
Object Name Nativity figurine (Joseph)
Culture Tesuque Pueblo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. New Mexico
County Santa Fe
Other Geographic Data Tesuque Pueblo
Maker's Name Manuel Vigil (1900-1990)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1960
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Clay; Tempera paint
Description 3-dimensional figurine of Joseph in 17-piece nativity set, shown in kneeling position with hands joined together in front; Figurine's facial features are incised and he wears blue shirt, white pants, brown serape over left shoulder, and rust colored moccasins; Hair is knotted behind his head; Figurine is unsigned. This and other figures in this nativity set make up Vigil’s Pueblo-style nativity, but he also made colonial Spanish and Plains Indian style nativity sets.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 10.7, Width = 5.2, Depth = 7.3