LOUIS NARANJO Female Figurine Holding a Jar on her Head [SOLD]

This Cochiti figurine by Cochiti Pueblo artist Louis Naranjo features a pueblo woman holding a jar on her head with her left hand.  She clearly shows the beginning of the new style of Louis Naranjo’s figurines—fatter figures with curved fatter arms.  This is a style he would continue throughout his career.

She is wearing a shawl draped down her back in traditional pueblo fashion.  The shawl is beautifully decorated with large bold flowers.  She is wearing an apron over her traditional pueblo dress. Both of her wrists sport bracelets and a squash blossom necklace hangs around her neck.  Her white moccasins curl at the toes. 

The cream bentonite slip reflects a beautiful burnish.  The black guaco is dark and evenly applied.  The orange slip is consistent in application.  This jar was purchased in 1983 and clearly shows that Naranjo had achieved great success in just a few years.

Louis Naranjo entered this figurine in the 1982 Cochiti Pueblo and Cochiti Lake Arts and Crafts Festival where it was awarded a First Place.  We then purchased it from him and sold it to the client from whom we now have it back.  It is in original condition.

Louis Naranjo (1932-1997) entered the pottery field late in life, after his wife, Virginia, had a stroke.  Louis’s mother and wife taught him the basics of pottery making.  It was not long before Louis became a famous potter.  He and Virginia made some pieces solely, and each signed their name.  On some pieces, they collaborated and both names were put on the works.  Louis is reported to have started pottery making in 1977 and continued until his death in 1997.

Relative Links: Cochiti Pueblo, pottery, Frances Suina, Virginia Naranjo, figurative pottery, Louis and Virginia Naranjo, Louis Naranjo, Cochiti Pueblo Potter