Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0528J   CAS 0370-0528J; Nativity figurine (angel)
Category Pottery
Object Name Nativity figurine (angel)
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 angel in 17-piece nativity set, shown in standing position with hands joined together in front; Facial features are incised and figure wears black pueblo-style dress, green and red belt, and yellow blouse; White wings are painted with yellow "X" or star patterns; Hair is knotted behind head with a red tie; Perforated lug on back of figurine allows for its suspension over other nativity figurines; 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 = 12.9, Width = 7.9, Depth = 10.3