Santa Clara Pueblo Terra Cotta Turtle Pottery By Scioto

ca. 1990 
.375" H x 2.25" L x 1.875" W
Hand Built Turtle in Natural Terra Cotta Tones with Stamped Geometric Designs on Shell
Excellent Condition

Santa Clara Pueblo, located in northern New Mexico, is renowned for its handcrafted Native American pottery traditions, particularly blackware and redware (often referred to as terra cotta due to the earthy, fired-clay appearance). The Tewa-speaking people of the pueblo have produced pottery for centuries, emphasizing stone-polished surfaces, deep engravings (sgraffito), and symbolic motifs. Turtle figures are a popular form, symbolizing longevity, protection, and connection to water in Pueblo culture. These pieces are typically coil-built from local clay, pit-fired, and sometimes adorned with inlays like turquoise or painted polychrome designs.