Santa Clara Pueblo Blackware Pottery By Billy Cain

ca. 1990s

2" H x 3.375" D

Hand Coiled Blackware Clay Pottery with a Deeply Carved Avanyu (Water serpent) Motif Design

In Very Good Condition

Billy Cain (1950–2006) was a talented potter from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico, known for his finely crafted blackware (and redware) pottery, often featuring deeply carved traditional designs like the Avanyu (water serpent).

Billy Cain came from one of the most prominent pottery families at Santa Clara Pueblo. He was the son of renowned potter Mary Cain (1915–2010) and Willie Cain, and the grandson of Christina Naranjo (a key figure in the revival and continuation of Santa Clara blackware traditions). His sisters included potters like Linda Cain and Joy Cain. He learned the craft by watching and working alongside his mother and grandmother.

The family traces its artistic roots back through the Tafoya lineage, with deep connections to legendary potters like Sara Fina Tafoya. Billy’s work continued this matrilineal tradition while adding his own creative flair.