Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Turtles By Margret & Luther

ca. 1965

a) 1" H x 1.25" L x 1.125" W b) 1.625" H x 1.1875" L x 1" W"

Hand Coiled from Local Clay with a Matte Finish and Hand Painted with Geometric Designs

Excellent Condition 

Margaret (1936–2018) and Luther (1911–1987) Gutierrez were renowned brother-and-sister potters from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico, continuing the innovative polychrome pottery tradition pioneered by their parents, Lela and Van Gutierrez. While Santa Clara is famous for its polished blackware, the Gutierrez family developed a distinctive multicolored (polychrome) slip technique in the mid-20th century, using natural clay pigments in shades of red, orange, yellow, black, and beige. This style often featured whimsical, symbolic designs on functional and figurative pieces, blending traditional Pueblo motifs like rain clouds, feathers, and animals with playful elements. Their turtle figurines, in particular, exemplify this approach—humorously anthropomorphic, with detailed shell patterns evoking storytelling or nature symbolism.