Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Turtle By Geri Naranjo

Late 20th Century

.5" H x 1.5" L x 1" W

Hand Coiled from Local Clay of a Turtle with Etched Geometric Design on Shell with 1 Inlaid Turquoise Stone

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Geri Naranjo, a highly regarded Native American potter from the Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. She is known for her miniature, sgraffito-inscribed black pots and has won numerous awards, including "Best of Division" three years in a row at the Santa Fe Indian Market. 

Geri Naranjo is primarily famous for her miniature jars and bowls, potters from the Santa Clara Pueblo do create pottery turtles, which are popular collectible figurines representing longevity and wisdom in many Native American traditions. She was born into a family of potters; her mother, Ursalita Naranjo, taught her to work with clay. Her aunts include fellow potters Dolores Curran and Geri Naranjo. She began producing pottery in 1975 and exhibiting in 1980. She is widely recognized in the Native American art world. After suffering a stroke in 1998, she is no longer able to make miniatures. Her children, Monica Naranjo Romero and Kevin Naranjo, continue the family tradition.