The Zuni are indigenous Pueblo peoples native to the Zuni River valley in the southwest of the United States. They have lived in this area for between 3000 and 4000 years. Today, most Zuni live in the Zuni Pueblo located on the Zuni river in western New Mexico. While traditionally they were farmers many Zuni today rely on the sale of traditional arts and crafts.

Zuni have a longstanding tradition of creating wooden dolls or Katsina/Katchina dolls that represent spirit messengers and are used for religious education especially of children. They are also displayed in homes as reminders of the spiritual beings that guide their community and bring blessings. The carving is relatively simple compared to that of other tribes like the Hopi but Zuni Katchinas are often decorated with feathers and clothing.

This nativity was created by Alan Lynn Lewis who is best known for his graceful cottonwood carvings. After years of working in construction Alan taught himself to carve around 1990. He grew up surrounded by art and artists. His mother was well known for her beaded dolls. His brother, Robert, specialized in carving realistic people out of cottonwood. Alan signs his art with A.L.

This Holy Family is clearly inspired by the traditional Zuni woodcarving in its minimalist simplicity.  The Holy Family is Zuni. The baby Jesus lies on a typical Zuni cradleboard. This is a traditional, board-based carrier where swaddled infants are secured. They vary by tribe but often feature wood, woven materials, and decorative elements. 

Santana Seonia depicts the nativity inside a kiva, the ceremonial chamber for New Mexico pueblos. Typically, kivas are round. This one has steps to the top and a ladder to descend into the chamber. A small pottery angel sits on top of the roof. Mary and Joseph and Baby are shown in the cut out side of the kiva. Three wise men are kneeling outside the kiva, and each one holds a pueblo style gift. A shepherd with a staff and four animals are also outside. Then animals outside the humans. The kiva is three inches tall.

Each piece is hand-formed from clay found at the pueblo, sun-dried and fired in a Horno oven, then painted in the pueblo’s traditional shades of brown, black, grey and rust.