Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Egg By Joseph Lonewolf

Late 20th Century

1.375" H x 1.25" D

Hand Coiled Egg Shape in Green, Grey and Orange Colors with Flowers and Hummingbird Design

In Very Good Condition

This is a Miniature Santa Clara Pueblo sgraffito pottery vessel seed jar, created by a member of the renowned Tafoya family, signed with the "SCP" hallmark of Joseph Lonewolf (1932-2014).  The intricate carving technique is known as sgraffito, where designs are cut into different layers of clay. 

The designs often incorporate Pueblo, realistic, and Mimbres imagery.  Potters in this family, such as matriarch Margaret Tafoya, used a unique bear paw design as a signature on water vessels.  Lonewolf was a trained machinist before becoming a potter, a skill he used to create his detailed engravings.  Miniature pots by this artist can be highly valued collectibles. 

Santa Clara Pueblo pottery eggs are hand-coiled, traditionally fired, and often feature deep-carved (redware) or polished blackware finishes, commonly adorned with sgraffito-etched designs. These art pieces, sometimes signed by artists like Christine Nieto or Melony Gutierrez, often measure 2–3 inches, showcasing intricate, detailed engravings.