Santa Clara Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Turtle Figurine by Margaret and Luther Gutierrez [SOLD]

This polychrome pottery turtle was made by Margaret and Luther Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo.   It is not signed, however the patina is such that it is one of theirs from the mid-twentieth century.  Later ones, made by Margaret alone, are much brighter in color, so there is no question of our attribution to Margaret and Luther.

The turtle’s shell is divided into eight triangles and there is a critter in each one.  The turtle has a marvelous friendly and comical face.

Margaret (1936-2018) and Luther (1911-1987) were the children of potters Lela and Van Gutierrez.  Lela and Van developed one of the most distinctive and recognizable styles of pueblo pottery. Their use of multicolored pigments to decorate pottery is unique.  Margaret and her brother Luther continued painting in this style, and began to create animals and small whimsical figurines. After Luther passed away, Margaret carried on the tradition on her own.

Condition: this Santa Clara Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Turtle Figurine by Margaret and Luther Gutierrez is in very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Nevada

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham (1952-1994)

Relative Links: Lela and Van Gutierrez, Santa Clara Pueblo, Pottery Figurines, Margaret and Luther Gutierrez