San Ildefonso Pueblo Black on Black Jar By Blue Corn

Mid/Late 20th Century

2.75" H x 5.375" D

Hand Coiled Black on Black with a Glossy and Matte Geometric Design from a Native American Potter

In Very Good Condition

Crucita Calabaza - Blue Corn (1921-1999) was a renowned Native American potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico. She was introduced to pottery making by her grandmother at the age of three and later received the name “Blue Corn” during the annual San Ildefonso Naming Ceremony. 

Blue Corn attended pueblo schools and later transferred to the Santa Fe Indian School. After her parents’ passing, she was sent to live with relatives in southern California. She returned to San Ildefonso and married Santiago Calabaza, a silversmith from Santo Domingo Pueblo, at the age of 20. Together, they raised ten children.

Blue Corn worked various jobs, including cleaning J. Robert Oppenheimer’s home in Los Alamos during World War II. In the early years, she focused on traditional San Ildefonso pottery techniques, creating black-on-black, redware, and polychrome pots. After her husband Santiago passed away, Joseph began working with her, carving, painting, and designing pottery.

Blue Corn is considered the successor to Maria Martinez as the leading San Ildefonso potter, holding this position for the rest of the 20th century. Her work is highly regarded for its traditional and contemporary styles, featuring intricate designs and techniques. Today, her pottery is highly sought after by collectors and museums.