Black Bear Paw Wedding Vase by Helen Shupla

Helen Shupla of Santa Clara Pueblo crafted this exquisite blackware wedding vase adorned with a bear paw. Though smaller in size, this vase boasts a highly polished exterior with a smooth, glassy sheen, showcasing its technical excellence. The piece exemplifies the near-perfection achievable in coil-built, traditionally fired pottery.

Renowned among collectors for her ribbed melon jars, which are consistently stylish and well-executed, Shupla translates her exceptional skills into this unique form. This small wedding vase carries the same allure as her other designs. The bottom of the vase is signed Helen Shupla, Santa Clara Pueblo.

Artist Helen Shupla (1928-1985) was of Santa Clara Pueblo and Tohono O'odham (Papago) heritage. She was active as a potter from around the mid-1940s until her death. Her husband, Kenneth Shupla, was a Hopi carver who moved to Santa Clara when he married. It is traditional for the husband to move to the wife's village. Their daughter married Alton Komalestewa, also a Hopi. He was mentored as a potter by Helen and began making melon jars in her style. Shupla's works are highly sought by today's collectors, and she received many notable awards and accolades for her work.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Black Bear Paw Wedding Vase by Helen Shupla is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: Talking with the Clay: The Art of Pueblo Pottery by Stephen Trimble

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Santa Clara Pueblo, Tohono O'odham (Papago), Alton Komalestewa, Hopi Pueblo, Helen Shupla, Nampeyo of Hano