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Randall Chitto |
Choctaw Tribe |
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Nativity |
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click image for larger picture,
much larger |
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Signature |
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Click image for larger picture |
Similar nativity by Randall Chitto |
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Other figuers by Randall Chitto |
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About Randall Chitto:
A Choctaw from Oklahoma, who lives in New Mexico, he is admired all over the country for his disarming turtle storytellers.
Often dressed in Plains clothiing, sometimes as Pueblo clowns, or just as wonderfully modeled turtles wearing only their shells, they are always delightful. Their joyful smiles invariably bring smiles to onlookers, as well.
Now, he is embarking on a series of bear storytellers, and they are just as charming.
(Taken from
this source.)
The artist is a member of the Turtle clan, nationally known for his turtle storytellers. In this evocation of a Christmas pageant scene, he has brought together Native symbols and the Nativity story, with great charm and feeling.
This Holy Family and the arriving Magi are delighted, as seen in their happy expressions. You can't help smiling with them, sharing in their rejoicing. The Baby turtle, cheerfully waving his legs in the air, is attached to His deerskin and dried cornhusk bedding and a wooden Native crib. The ramada-like manger is mahogany, like all the wood in this piece. It is attached to a clay base. The curved adobe wall behind them is clay.
The turtles are all realistically formed of clay, stone polished and pit fired. Two of the Magi turtles hold shepherds' crooks; the third one presents a bowl of turquoise chips. They stand on a rug of deerskin. In the back, a turtle holds a painted cardbard star on a long pole. Everything - wood, figures, leather, star - is crafted by hand.
Full of varied textures, materials, shapes, and irresistible joyfulness, this is a very special heirloom. It is typically displayed as shown in the first photo. For this arrangement, you would need a space about 10" H or more, 18" D or more, and 12" W or more. Of course, the figures may be displayed any way you prefer, and playing with the arrangement is part of the fun.
(Taken from
this source.)