Santa Clara pot c. 20th century

This is a Santa Clara pot by Grace Medicine Flower. The piece is made using the traditional methods of pottery in the Indigenous communities of the Southwest. The pot's sleek, burnished surface is achieved through meticulous hand-polishing, before it is pit-fired. This is a low-tech, labor intensive process where the piece is covered in manure and ash, which deprives the piece of oxygen, resulting in its distinctive black color. The designs are then painstakingly carved into the clay surface, revealing the natural reddish hue of the clay beneath. The creation of these pots is a testament to the artist’s skill and patience. The motifs on the pot are a mix of abstracted natural forms and stylized figures. As with all Indigenous art, these symbols carry deep cultural significance, reflecting the spiritual and historical narratives of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Ultimately, this pot is more than just a vessel; it is a tangible connection to a rich heritage, embodying the enduring artistry and cultural identity of the Santa Clara people.