Adobe Gallery Blog

Subject: Kewa Pueblo Black-on-red Jar with an American Flag

Category: Pottery | Posted by Todd | Fri, May 31st 2013, 3:04pm

Many Native artists contributed to celebrating the 200th anniversary of the United States by producing Navajo blankets, beadwork, basketry and pottery featuring an American flag or a reference to 1776. Santana Melchor (ca.1889-1978) and her granddaughter, Darlene (ca.1950s-), produced this Black-on-red jar featuring an American flag with 76 in the stars and 76 painted on the Liberty Bell. The artists co-signed the underside of the jar.

Santana Melchor was considered one of the finest potters at Santo Domingo in the early- and mid-20th century. She made exceptional large storage jars. Throughout her career, she used traditional designs and is responsible for keeping that tradition alive. She was part of the delegation of pueblo potters who visited the White House in 1974 as a guest of first lady Pat Nixon.


Condition: It is in original condition.
Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust
Recommended Reading: Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf


Subject: Kewa Pueblo Black-on-red Jar with an American Flag
Artists / Potters: Santana Melchor (ca.1889-1978) and Darlene Melchor (ca.1950s-)
Category: Contemporary
Origin: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo)
Medium: clay, pigment
Size: 5" tall x 5" diameter
Item # C3227.04

Many Native artists contributed to celebrating the 200th anniversary of the United States by producing Navajo blankets, beadwork, basketry and pottery featuring an American flag or a reference to 1776.  Santana Melchor (ca.1889-1978) and her granddaughter, Darlene (ca.1950s-), produced this Black-on-red jar featuring an American flag with 76 in the stars and 76 painted on the Liberty Bell. The artists co-signed the underside of the jar.    Santana Melchor was considered one of the finest potters at Santo Domingo in the early- and mid-20th century. She made exceptional large storage jars. Throughout her career, she used traditional designs and is responsible for keeping that tradition alive. She was part of the delegation of pueblo potters who visited the White House in 1974 as a guest of first lady Pat Nixon. Condition:  It is in original condition. Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust Recommended Reading: Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf