Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery By Robert T. Naranjo

Late 20th Century

1" H x 1.875" D

Hand Coiled with Etched Turtle Design and 2 Turquoise Eyes

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Robert T. Naranjo (also referred to as Robert Naranjo in many sources) is a noted potter from Santa Clara Pueblo. He is the son-in-law of Elizabeth Naranjo, husband of Betty Naranjo, and father of potters Ernestine and Adrian Naranjo. His work typically features finely etched sgraffito on polished blackware, and he earned multiple awards, including seven from the Santa Fe Indian Market between 1990 and 1998.

Santa Clara Pueblo is renowned for its traditional blackware and carved redware pottery, a craft with roots going back centuries. Potters often use natural clay, hand-coil vessels, polish them to a high sheen, and fire them in reducing atmospheres for the signature deep black color, frequently featuring sgraffito (etched) designs like wildlife, geometric patterns, bears, or nature scenes.