Nambé Pueblo Ceramic Turtle By Marie Herrera

ca. 1985

1.75" H x 7" L x 6.25" W

Hand Coiled from a Dark Brown Clay with a Glossy Finish and a Matte Geometric Design on the Back of his Shell

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

Marie P. Herrera (active late 20th century) was a noted potter from Nambé Pueblo specializing in micaceous clay figures.  She is best known for using micaceous clay, a traditional Northern New Mexico clay that contains flakes of mica, giving the surface a natural metallic or glittery sheen. Her work is described as having a "folk art feeling" with a primitive, minimalist aesthetic. She typically used minimal detailing, often only light touches to define features like eyes and mouths.