Juanita Fragua, Jemez Pueblo Potter

Jemez Pueblo artist Juanita Fragua belongs to the Corn Clan. She is known for her traditional stone polished redware and tanware: melon swirl pots, sgraffito jars, bowls, cornmeal bowls, vases, and weddings vases. Some of her pottery is decorated with polychrome designs or corn plants, flowers, and other elements.

Juanita Fragua explained her technique: "The big ones I push out from inside and groove them on the outside...I have a new one I call my "oval melon", grooved only on one side".

Juanita Fragua (1935-2023) was the daughter of Rita Magdalena; sister of Jeronina Shendo; wife of Manuel Fragua; mother of Clifford Fragua, Glendora Fragua Daubs, Betty Jean Chavez Fragua.

Juanita Fragua recognized her sister Benina Shije, Corn Clan Member from Zia Pueblo, as being important in helping the pottery revival at Jemez Pueblo, Juanita herself is important in made a significant contribution in promoting the arts at Jemez. Her children are some of the top artists.

Reference: Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS:  Jemez Pueblo, Clifford Fragua, Glendora Fragua Daubs, Zia Pueblo