Reycita Naranjo Carved Blackware Vase with Avanyu

This gorgeous blackware pottery vase was made by Reycita Naranjo of Santa Clara Pueblo. It is an exceptional example of Santa Clara carved blackware. It makes use of traditional designs and, interestingly, arranges them in a composition that is nearly identical to that of a much larger piece by Reycita's sister Elizabeth. These two examples, perhaps unsurprisingly, come from the same collection of high-quality Santa Clara artworks.

The design used for this piece and the larger piece places two horizontal design bands—one featuring an avanyu, or water serpent, and one using repeating rights-angled elements—around and below the vase's rounded shoulder. The tall neck is adorned with a band of feathers, which hang vertically down from the rim. This complex but elegant composition works perfectly with this vessel form, so it's no surprise to see multiple potters using it. Reycita's version was executed with skill and precision, resulting in an incredibly strong piece of pottery.

The bottom of the vase is signed Reycita Naranjo, Santa Clara Pueblo, N.M.

Reycita Naranjo (1926-2003) of Santa Clara Pueblo, was born into a large family of potters, all of whom are exceptional artists. Her sisters, Clara Shije, Elizabeth Naranjo, Florence Browning, Mary Singer, and Mary Carlisle all are recognized as outstanding potters, as is her mother Pablita Tafoya Chavarria. Reycita had been an award winner at Santa Fe Indian Market since 1981. She had been featured in numerous publications and prominent collections as well.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Reycita Naranjo Carved Blackware Vase with Avanyu is from a private New Mexico collection

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

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Elizabeth Naranjo, Florence Browning, Mary Singer, Pablita Tafoya Chavarria, Southwest Indian Pottery, Reycita Naranjo