This Holy Family is from Chulucanas, a town situated on the side of Mt. Vicús in the northwestern coastal region of Peru. Chulucanas is well known for its rich and ancient tradition of pottery making. The techniques used today have been handed down for centuries. They were developed during the time of the Vicús culture which was an important early culture in Peru dating back to between 1000/200 BCE to 300/600 CE.
Short-body Holy Family
Made out of painted clay, this highly stylized Nativity features Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus in a manger.
This Nativity is known in Guatemala as a “Shell Nativity” due to the shape and the scalloped edges of the grotto. An Angel hovers over the Holy Family which is surrounded by an ox, donkey and a sheep.
This charming Holy Family was sewn together by artisans in Kathmandu. They used blue textiles with different patterns and cotton stuffing.
This two-piece Holy Family was hand-carved out of polished palewa stone, a type of Indian soapstone. Mary is holding the baby Jesus while Joseph is represented in adoration.
The three figures of the Holy Family were created in Papier-Maché. They were painted in gleaming colors and lacquered.
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.
