Black Melon Jar by Angela Baca of Santa Clara Pueblo [SOLD]

Angela Baca is most likely represented in every collection of contemporary pottery with one of her black melon jars, the style and shape that has been associated with her since the 1960s. She was probably the first potter to produce melon jars. I recall that the very first purchase I made at The Covered Wagon in Albuquerque in the 1960s was a black melon jar by Angela Baca at a price of $35. I was so impressed when I saw it that I put it on lay-away immediately.

Others must have thought like me because Angela’s pottery received awards at Santa Fe Indian Market every year she entered for competition.  She also was awarded Best of Show at the Heard Museum and was presented with a Special Award by the French government. Her pottery was included in an exhibit of pottery by Maria and Julian Martinez in 1984 at a gallery in New Jersey and included in an exhibit of pottery by Margaret Tafoya at Sid Deusch Gallery in New York in 1985.

This jar has 24 ribs that run vertically from the rim to the base.  The depressions between ribs were painted with slip to provide a matte contrast to the polished surface. It was purchased from the artist in 1987.  It is signed Angela Baca on the underside.

Condition: this Black Melon Jar by Angela Baca of Santa Clara Pueblo is in very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a client from Texas

Recommended Reading: Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree