Anita Suazo Tall Neck Ribbed Melon Jar

This stunning piece by Anita Suazo from Santa Clara Pueblo is a unique variation of the traditional ribbed melon jar, featuring a tall neck. Melon-style pottery is crafted using coil-formed techniques, starting with a large diameter base. Once the piece reaches a leather-hard state, it is meticulously carved with the distinctive ribs. After carving, the jar is coated with an iron-bearing slip and intricately stone-polished on all exterior surfaces. The final touch is firing in a smothered, reduction atmosphere, which gives the jar its superb black finish.

This particular jar showcases a wide body that gracefully protrudes outward from a slim base. The design transitions into a tall, smooth neck, providing a striking contrast to the ribbed texture of the body. The bottom of the jar is signed "Anita L. Suazo, Santa Clara Pueblo". This piece beautifully exemplifies Anita Suazo's mastery of the melon style while introducing an elegant twist with the tall neck design.

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Anita Suazo (1937 - ) is a master potter and has excelled in multi-colored designs over a polished red surface. She is also known for her blackware pottery. Anita has practiced the art of making traditional pueblo pottery since she began. She uses native Santa Clara clay and follows all traditional coiling and firing techniques.

Anita Suazo is the daughter of Belen Tapia who was her teacher. Following her mother's example, Anita has taught traditional pottery techniques at the University of New Mexico and the University of California at Davis.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Anita Suazo Tall Neck Ribbed Melon Jar is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Belen Tapia, Southwest Indian Pottery