Signed “Madeline Santa Clara”. ABOUT THE ARTIST: (believed to be) Tafoya Naranjo, Madeline (Santa Clara). She was the cousin of the famous potter Margaret Tafoya. In her lifetime, she won many awards from the Santa Fe Indian Market, and the prestigious Governor’s Award. Madeline learned her trade from her Grandmother and her aunt. She specialized in traditional Santa Clara black and red pottery. Madeline past away after a short illness in late December, 2002 at the age of 90. Madeline was a legend in Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery and will be sorely missed. Santa Clara Navajo pottery. Santa Clara Pueblo, a Tewa-speaking Pueblo located along the Rio Grande River in northern New Mexico, has one of the most dynamic and innovative pottery-making communities in the world. Today, the Pueblos best known pottery style is polished blackware with precisely carved sgraffito designs. Blackware can be traced back to the 12th century and was revived in the early 20th century by potters from San Ildefonso Pueblo. Though their style is similar to San Ildefonsos, Santa Clara potters set themselves apart by carving designs into the clay rather than painting them on the surface. This type of low relief carving, called sgraffito, was a major shift in style that had a lasting effect on modern Pueblo pottery. Blackware remains popular, but there are many Santa Clara artists who have developed their own signature styles. Known for their creativity, these potters experiment with non-traditional, asymmetrical vessel shapes and contemporary design motifs. No matter their style, Pueblo potters from Santa Clara have an unbelievable mastery of their craft, making their handmade pots among the most valuable in the world. Black pottery from the Santa Clara Pueblo is among the most well-known in the entire world. Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo is arguably the most well known Potter ever to live. She became famous for the black pottery tradition that is now carried on by artists of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Santa Clara Pueblo pottery has become the most collectible Native American pottery. This incredible art form begins with natural red clays gathered from the pueblos and surrounding hills. The clay undergoes many preparations before it is finally molded into the finished product. The artist generally rolls the clay into long thin rolls, then begins to “build” the piece by layering these rolls one on top of the other. This hand coiled method includes smoothing the coils by hand to the pottery’s final shape. The artist then begins the arduous task of polishing the piece. This is accomplished by rubbing a smooth “polishing” stone over the piece over and over until the red clay shines. Finally, the piece is fired in an “oxygen reduction” firing process. During the firing, the artist smothers the fire with horse manure. The manure traps a thick, carbon rich smoke all around the piece. The carbon contained in the smoke fuses itself into the clay, turning it black. This black color can never be removed or washed off. The entire process is fraught with problems as about 3 of every 5 pieces actually emerge from the fire without damage. Given the rarity of this pottery, artists often view the clay as a living entity. A finished piece is often revered as a gift from what pueblo potters often respectfully refer to as the “Clay Mother”. The end result is a stunning piece of Native American pottery work of art. 1 of hundreds of personal fine items and collectibles plus items from my metaphysical bookstore I recently closed, plus books, tarot, videos, jewelry, gifts and more. Try me you’ll love me! We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as “gifts” – US and International government regulations prohibit such behavior. I offer discounts for multiple orders by combining charges depending on weight. Even if an invoice was generated I can always re-issue a corrected one. International orders can go first class parcel if you dont mind the wait or I can send them Priority but for heavy, larger items it can be expensive! Depending on the weight of the pieces, many can be combined for the same rate. Books, CD’s, etc. Feedback will be given after you receive the item and you are satisfied by leaving feedback for me. My goal, as it was in my store for over 25 years, is to maintain happy satisfied customers that will return and become regular purchasers on my site. I strive to be an honest businessman and try to make everyone happy. My philosophy is if you offer a great item at a good, fair price you will get repeat customers. Depending on the condition, availability, rarity and wholesale cost I will entertain any reasonable offer or counter with one that I feel is reasonable and why. Give it a shot and see how it works! The item “Vintage Santa Clara Blackware Pottery Bowl Signed Madeline Santa Clara” is in sale since Saturday, October 22, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Native American\ US\1935-Now\Pottery”. The seller is “chesproperties” and is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Provenance: Ownership History Available
- Tribal Affiliation: Santa Clara Navajo
- Artisan: Madeline
- Origin: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
