Browning, Florence Chavarria

Florence Chavarria Browning (born 1931) is a respected Santa Clara Pueblo potter from one of the most accomplished blackware families in the Pueblo pottery world. Her mother was Pablita Chavarria, a major matriarch of carved blackware, and Florence is one of five sisters—all recognized potters—including Clara Shije, Reycita Naranjo, Mary Singer, and Elizabeth Naranjo. Trained in traditional hand‑coiled techniques, she became known for deeply carved blackware featuring classic Santa Clara motifs such as the Avanyu (water serpent) and geometric band designs. Her pieces are noted for their precise carving and highly polished surfaces, reflecting the high technical standards of her family.