Jemez Holy Family

Cindy Fragua is a pottery maker from Jemez Pueblo. She learned to make pottery from her older sisters who in turn were taught by their mother Grace Loretto Fragua and grandmother Emilia Loretto.

Jemez pottery tradition experienced a great revival in the 20th century after a decline following the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. Today’s Jemez pottery blends ancient techniques with contemporary innovation. Potters use locally gathered red clay and natural dyes to create their signature earth tones.

A typical Jemez geometric symbol is the Kiva steps which takes the form of stairs and symbolizes life’s journey from birth to afterlife. Typical figures are the storytellers with their heads slightly tilted up and open mouths. During the winter months, story telling was a daily occurrence when at night the elders told ancient tribal stories.

This holy family is modeled after story tellers with Mary and Joseph looking up and Jesus, Mary and Joseph having their mouth open. They are depicted as telling the story of the great mystery of salvation.

Their dwelling is decorated with Kiva steps both in the design of the stepped back of the building and the painted decorations on the floor of the structure.

The angels who are often present in depictions of the nativity were replaced by Ms. Fragua with typical Puebloan Kokopelli. These humpbacked, flute-playing figures with antenna-like protrusions on their head are associated with music, joy, the miracle of birth and the celebration of life.