Santa Clara Pueblo Black Twisted Stem Candlesticks [R]

Candlesticks from Santa Clara Pueblo often have twisted stems, a design that probably was inspired by the white leather leg wraps, worn by female dancers, which are strips of leather wrapped in an overlap pattern around the leg.  Sometimes, the base of such candlesticks are footed like a moccasin, further substantiating the leg wrap theory.

Candlestick production probably originated when the Franciscans requested them for use in the mission churches. They could have started as early as the late 1500s, but probably originated much later. At first, candlesticks brought from Spain or Mexico were used, but eventually were replaced by pottery ones created by pueblo potters.  They were also very popular in the early- to mid-20^th century by households in Santa Fe and Taos. 

Each of these candlesticks has a square base from which the twisted stem rises and is connected to the base with a handle. Neither of these was signed with the name of the potter, an indication that they are probably pre 1950s. 

Condition: good condition with some scratches and a small chip on the lip of one candlestick.

Provenance: from the collection of a family in Santa Fe (who probably used them extensively)

Recommended Reading: Collections of Southwestern Pottery: Candlesticks to Canteens, Frogs to Figurines by Allan Hayes, et al. This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery