Large Storage Jar with Birds and Flowers by Santana Melchor

This large storage jar by Santana Melchor features alternating bird and flower motifs. The body of the jar is painted with a cream slip. The design is painted with black pigment, with the same light brown slip used for the interior also coloring the details and the bottom of the jar. The design includes three large birds, likely turkeys as suggested by the turkey tracks on the bottom, with floral elements interspersed between them. The jar is signed by Santana Melchor Santo Domingo.

Santana Melchor (1889-1978) was one of the finest potters at Kewa Pueblo (formerly Santo Domingo) in the early and mid-20th century. Known for creating exceptionally large storage jars, she played a crucial role in preserving traditional pottery designs. Her dedication to traditional techniques kept the cultural heritage alive. In 1974, she was part of a delegation of pueblo potters invited to the White House by First Lady Pat Nixon. Santana Melchor is the mother of Crucita Melchor, Ray Melchor, and Dolorita Melchor.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Large Storage Jar with Birds and Flowers by Santana Melchor was originally from the collection of Richard M. Howard, now from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: 

- A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie Verzuh, et al.

- Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Kewa Pueblo - Santo Domingo, Crucita Melchor, Dolorita Melchor, Santana Melchor