Christina Naranjo, Santa Clara Pueblo Potter

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Christina Naranjo is very collectible because of her workmanship and famous family history in Pueblo pottery making.

Christina Naranjo (1892-1980) was the daughter of Sara Fina and Geronimo Tafoya, and the sister to Margaret (and Camilio) Tafoya, all of whom were outstanding potters who were not timid about making very large vessels. Many potters shy away from larger pieces. Not only are they difficult to form, the stone polishing of the slip must not be interrupted until the entire vessel is completed—a task that may include several members of a family taking turns. Additionally, large vessels are more apt to contain air bubbles in the clay, resulting in an explosion during firing.

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Mary Cain, Pueblo Pottery, Sara Fina Tafoya, Margaret Tafoya, Camilio Tafoya