Santa Clara Pueblo Black Carved Jar by Teresita [SOLD]

Teresita Tafoya Naranjo (1919-1999) Apple Blossom has been acknowledged as one of the finest 20th century potters at Santa Clara Pueblo. Her unexpected death in 1999 was a loss to all pottery collectors.  She was active from 1935 to 1999 and was known for her black and redware carved works in the Santa Clara style.

She was the daughter of Victor and Christina Naranjo and wife of Joe Naranjo, mother to Stella Tafoya Chavarria, niece to Margaret Tafoya, and the granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya. After her husband's passing in 1950, she supported her family solely through sales of her pottery.  She was a master potter—one of the finest of the pueblo and was active from 1935 to 1999.  She was known for her intricately carved blackware and redware in the Santa Clara style.

This exquisite small black jar features the Avanyu water serpent motif in a stylized form, reportedly one of her most favored designs. It is signed Teresita Naranjo Santa Clara Pueblo.

Condition: The jar is in excellent condition overall, fine polish and excellent carving.

Provenance: from a Santa Fe family

Recommended Reading: Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree