Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery By Sharon Naranjo Garcia

Late 20th/Early 21st Century
Size 7" H x 8" D
Black on Black with Carved Water Serpent Surrounding Pot
From a Private Colorado Collection
Excellent Condition
Sharon Naranjo Garcia is a renowned Native American potter from the Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico, celebrated for her masterful work in traditional and contemporary Pueblo pottery. Born in 1951, she has dedicated her life to preserving and innovating the art form passed down through her family, creating pieces that blend ancient techniques with artistic expression. Her pottery is highly sought after by collectors, often featured in galleries, auctions, and cultural shows across the Southwest.
Sharon Naranjo Garcia grew up in the Santa Clara Pueblo, a Tewa-speaking community known for its rich pottery traditions dating back centuries. She was raised by her grandmother, the esteemed potter Christina Naranjo (a prominent figure in Santa Clara blackware), who taught her the craft from a young age. As a child, Sharon began experimenting with clay, making small animal figures using her grandmother's materials. This hands-on apprenticeship instilled in her the traditional methods of hand-coiling, polishing, and firing pottery using local clay and outdoor pits—techniques that remain central to her work today.
After marrying, Sharon moved to Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo), where she has lived for over 40 years. Despite the relocation, she continues to create pottery in the distinctive Santa Clara style, honoring her roots. The passing of her grandmother in 1980 marked a turning point; Sharon decided to pursue pottery full-time, building on the legacy of the Naranjo family, which includes other notable potters like Teresita Naranjo and Rose Naranjo. Her work reflects the broader Santa Clara tradition of black-on-black and redware pottery, influenced by pioneers like Sara Fina Tafoya and Margaret Tafoya, though Sharon's pieces stand out for their large scale and intricate detailing.