Polished Blackware Jar by Sharon Naranjo Garcia

This polished blackware jar was made by Sharon Naranjo Garcia of Santa Clara Pueblo. Garcia is proud to practice the traditions of her ancestors by using traditional methods and materials. With this piece, she crafted a modern variation of a traditional Tewa water jar. The dramatic shoulder and tall neck work wonderfully here, as do the fluted rim and impressed bear paw designs.

Standing over 15 inches in height, this is a large jar. Though its widest point reaches a substantial 11 inches in diameter, the neck and base are quite slim, resulting in a unique form. The polished exterior is gorgeous, contributing much to the jar's impressive presence. Those who are familiar with the traditional Native potters' process know that building a piece of this size and successfully firing it requires incredible skill, patience, and knowledge. That the end result is so elegant speaks to the artist's talent and experience level.

The bottom of the jar is signed Sharon Naranjo Garcia, Santa Clara Pueblo.

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Sharon Naranjo Garcia (1951- ) is known for her amazing pottery creations. Many of today's potters began working with clay while incredibly young. Most learned the art of making pottery from an adult family member. Sharon Naranjo Garcia is no exception and had great role models to learn from. Born in 1951, she was raised by her famous grandmother, Christina Naranjo, and began making small animals using her grandmother's clay. From there, she developed into a full-fledged potter. Although she has lived at Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo) since her marriage over 20 years ago, she still makes Santa Clara Pueblo style pottery.

Condition: excellent condition, a few light abrasions

Provenance: this Polished Blackware Jar by Sharon Naranjo Garcia is from a private Colorado collection

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Santa Clara Peublo, Christina Naranjo, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Sharon Naranjo Garcia