Santa Clara Pueblo Turtle Sphere Pottery By Elijah Naranjo

ca. 2000

2.25" H x 2.375" D

Hand Coiled from Local Clay with an Etched Turtle Design and Tiny Hole for a Seed Jar

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Elijah Naranjo Smith is a contemporary Native American potter from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico. Born around 1978–1979, he is part of the renowned Naranjo family of potters. He is the son of Dolly Naranjo and brother to acclaimed potter Jody Naranjo.

He began working with clay in 1999 and specializes in traditional Santa Clara styles, often using sgraffito (etched) techniques on black or redware vessels. His designs frequently feature turtles, geometric patterns, and other motifs inspired by Pueblo traditions.

In 2003, he received the prestigious Ron & Susan Dubin Native American Artist Fellowship Award from the School for Advanced Research, which allowed him to study historic designs and create pottery in their studios.

His work follows traditional methods: hand-coiled, stone-polished, and pit-fired. Pieces by Elijah are collected and have appeared in galleries, auctions, and markets like Santa Fe Indian Market.