Large Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Bowl with Bear Paw Impressions by Mela Youngblood [SOLD]

This large pottery bowl was made by Santa Clara Pueblo potter Mela Youngblood.  It’s a wonderful piece of blackware featuring a classic pueblo design motif and an atypical shape. We’ve seen a piece by Margaret Tafoya—Youngblood’s mother, for those who are unfamiliar with the family—which was similarly shaped, but quite a bit smaller.  This one, with its diameter of over a foot, has a commanding presence. The four bear paw impressions spaced evenly around the bowl’s exterior provide a link to the works of Youngblood’s Santa Clara predecessors.

Youngblood was known for being a perfectionist.  This is most evident in the way she polished each of her pieces to a smooth, glassy sheen.  This particular piece shines, both literally and figuratively. A thin band of matte finish circles the bowl’s rim; the rest of the piece is polished to perfection.  This is an impressive piece of pottery from an artist whose influence—both individually and within the context of her talented family—could not be overstated.

The bowl’s bottom is signed Mela Youngblood, Santa Clara Pueblo, PO Box 1091, Espanola N.M.

Santa Clara Pueblo potter Mela Tafoya Youngblood (1931-1991) Mistletoe Yellow was the daughter of Margaret Tafoya, granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya, and mother of Nancy Youngblood and Nathan Youngblood.  This large family, which includes many talented potters not mentioned here, is one of the most significant in the world of Native American art.  Mela’s career was relatively brief, which means that the appearance of an exceptional piece on the market is a special occasion. 

Condition: Very good condition. There are a few minor slip cracks on the interior near the base.

Provenance: this Large Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Bowl with Bear Paw Impressions by Mela Youngblood is from a Private Santa Fe collection

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Relative Links: Santa Clara Pueblo, Margaret Tafoya, Sara Fina Tafoya, Nancy Youngblood, Nathan Youngblood, Mela Tafoya Youngblood