Santa Clara Pueblo Black Carved Turtle Figurine [SOLD]

Teresita Tafoya Naranjo (1919-1999) Apple Blossom - Bay-Po-Vi was the daughter of Christina Naranjo and granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya.  She has been acknowledged as one of the finest 20th century potters at Santa Clara Pueblo. Her unexpected death in 1999 was a loss to all pottery collectors.

She was active from 1935 to 1999 and was known for her black and redware carved works in the Santa Clara style.  After her husband's passing in 1950, she supported her family solely through sales of her pottery.

Teresita specialized in making large magnificent carved wares of which she would burnish to a beautiful sheen and fire to a deep black color.  Her work was exceptional and she was proud of her pottery accomplishments and firm on her pricing.  She sold only from her own home, not through a gallery, and was not interested in discounting her work to a dealer.

Occasionally Teresita made small pieces such as animals or canoes but her specialty was jars and wedding vessels.  We have here an example of one of her small creations—a turtle.  The carved design on the turtles back was executed as carefully as carvings on major jars.  Teresita never skimped on her work.  She was a talented and marvelous potter.

Condition: Original excellent condition.

Provenance: Delivered to us by a gentleman from Virginia

Recommended Reading: Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree