Modern Santa Clara Pueblo Polished Blackware Pottery Jar

There are instances when a vessel's shape predominates over painted decorations. This Santa Clara jar was endowed with a voluminous body and wide shoulder that captures the beauty of the potter's intention. Rather than incorporating deep carving or incised designs (such as the bear paw or water serpent motif), the artist relied entirely on proportion, contour, and surface luster to define the piece.The lack of a painted design enhances the vessel, whereas a painted design would detract from the visual impact. 

The vessel was not signed by the potter so we cannot share credit to a creative artist. The depression at the shoulder is reminiscent of historic Santa Clara pottery by Sara Fina Tafoya. Perhaps the potter of this jar was aware of Sara Fina's pottery or perhaps it is an early tradition of the pueblo to place such a feature to separate the neck from the body.

This mid-20th century Santa Clara Pueblo blackware vessel exhibits the refined craftsmanship, traditional methods, and distinctive silhouette characteristic of Northern Tewa pottery from this era.

Condition: structurally in excellent condition but there is some minor pitting of the clay and there is a slip crack on the underside of the jar.

Provenance: this Modern Santa Clara Pueblo Polished Blackware Pottery Jar is from the collection of a client from Colorado.

Recommended Reading: Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Santa Clara Pueblo