Jemez Pueblo 2 Turtles Pottery By Chinana

Late 20th Century

2.875" H x 3.5" L x 2.625" W

Hand Coiled from Local Clay with a Baby Turtle on Top of the Big Turtle with a Painted Corn Stalk and Lizard Motif Design

In Very Good Condition

Jemez Pueblo pottery is renowned for its beautiful hand-coiled, stone-polished pieces, often featuring natural earth-tone slips (like red or cream) with painted or sgraffito (etched) designs. The Chinana family includes several talented potters from Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico, such as Marie Chinana, Lorraine Chinana, Donald Chinana, and others (e.g., M. Chinana, R. Chinana). These artists use traditional methods with locally gathered clay and natural pigments, creating bowls, jars, seed pots, figurines, and more.

Turtles are a popular motif in Jemez pottery, symbolizing water and life—especially in unique forms like "Friendship Pots," which often feature turtle decorations alongside molded clay figures representing community gatherings.