Santa Clara Pueblo Black Pot with Handles By Legoria

Mid/Late 20th Century

7.25" H x 8.5" W with Handles

Hand Coiled Black Pot with Attached Handles Unsigned

In Very Good Condition

Legoria Tafoya (1911–1984) was a respected Santa Clara Pueblo potter known for her traditional blackware (black-on-black) pottery, including carved jars, bowls, candlesticks, animal figurines, and pieces with handles like wedding/engagement vessels or handled pots. Born Legoria Velarde at Santa Clara Pueblo (Kha'p'oo Owinge), New Mexico; sister of artist Pablita Velarde. Learned pottery-making around 1930 from her mother (Marianita Chavarria Velarde) and family traditions. She began with small molded animal figurines inspired by Tewa mythology.

Exhibited at Santa Fe Indian Market starting in 1940, winning awards (e.g., blue ribbon for a polished bowl). She often collaborated later with her daughter Celes Tafoya. Worked in the traditional coil-and-scrape method using local clay. Blackware is achieved by burnishing the pot before firing in a reducing atmosphere (often smothered with manure or other materials to create the deep black finish). Known for polished black surfaces, carved designs (e.g., avanyu/feathered serpent, feathers, kiva steps), and forms like handled dishes or jars. Many of her handled pieces feature twisted or distinctive handles reminiscent of Santa Clara engagement/wedding jars.