Santa Clara Pueblo Tall Black Bear Paw Jar [SOLD]

Many of today’s potters began working with clay while very young. Most learned the art of making pottery from an adult family member.  Sharon Naranjo Garcia (1951 - ) is no exception. She was raised by her grandmother, Christina Naranjo, and began making small animals using her grandmother’s clay. From there, she developed into a full-fledge potter.

Although she has lived at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo since her marriage to Peter Garcia over 25 years ago, she still makes Santa Clara style pottery. This stone-polished black bear paw jar is very well executed. The burnishing is consistent in tone throughout and the bear paw impressions were well executed.  The shape of the vessel is a very traditional shape made by many members of Christina Naranjo and Margaret Tafoya families.  This is noticeable in the distinctive shoulder of the vessel and in the rolled out rim.

It is signed Sharon Naranjo Garcia Santa Clara Pueblo on the underside.

Condition: Although an older piece, it is in excellent condition.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Illinois who purchased it in 1999 at Babbitts Trading Post near San Ildefonso Pueblo at the time the post was closing down, so it is safe to assume that it was made shortly before 1999.

Recommended Reading:  Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree