Santo Domingo Pueblo Pottery By Robert Tenorio Kewa

Late 20th Century

3.5 x 6.5" D

Hand Coiled from Natural Clay with a Painted Black Geometric Design Kewa N.M.

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

Robert Tenorio is a renowned Native American potter from Kewa Pueblo (formerly known as Santo Domingo Pueblo) in New Mexico. Born in 1950, he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential contemporary Pueblo potters, credited with helping revive and elevate the traditional pottery traditions of his community.

Tenorio began working with clay at age 10, learning traditional hand-coiling techniques from family members, including his grandmother Andrea Ortiz and great-aunt Lupe Tenorio. He later studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) under potter Otellie Loloma. His work strictly follows ancient methods: hand-coiled (never wheel-thrown), using natural clays, slips, and pigments sourced from the earth (such as Rocky Mountain beeweed or wild spinach for the characteristic black paint). Pieces are fired outdoors in open kilns using materials like cottonwood bark.