Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Jar by Elaine Salazar

Late 20th Century
4.5x3.5w
From a Private Colorado Collection
Excellent Condition

Elaine Salazar is a fine young potter who was taught to pot by her mother, Frances Salazar. She and her sisters, Angela Salazar and Yolanda Velarde, make good quality traditional Santa Clara pottery.

Santa Clara Pueblo (Tewa: Kha'po) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 980 at the 2000 census, although, approximately 3,800 reside on the reservation. Santa Clara Pueblo was established about 1550.

The pueblo is a member of the Eight Northern Pueblos, and the people are from the Tewa ethnic group of Native Americans who speak the Tewa language. The pueblo is on the Rio Grande, between Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo) to the north and San Ildefonso Pueblo to the south. Santa Clara Pueblo is famous for producing hand-crafted pottery, specifically blackware and redware with deep engravings. The pueblo is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.