Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery By Reycita

Mid/Late 20th Century

2" H x 3.375" D

Hand Coiled Clay with Glossy Finish and a Matte Geometric Design Black Pottery Signed Reycita Santa Clara

In Very Good Condition

Reycita Naranjo (1926–2003) was a highly respected traditional potter from Santa Clara Pueblo. She belonged to a prominent family of potters: her mother was the noted potter Pablita Tafoya Chavarria, and her sisters included Clara Shije, Mary Singer, Florence Browning, Mary Carlisle, and Elizabeth Naranjo. They learned the craft from their mother. 

She specialized in carved and highly polished blackware, including jars, bowls, wedding vases, and other forms. Her work often featured deep carving with motifs like the Avanyu serpent and geometric designs, combined with a mirror-like polish. She was known for excellence in form and finish, and she began winning awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market in 1981, earning many more over the years at that event and others across the Southwest.