Nicolasa Naranjo (1907-2002) was the daughter of Tomacita Tafoya Naranjo—eldest sister and original pottery instructor to the legendary Margaret Tafoya—and granddaughter of Santa Clara matriarch Sara Fina Tafoya. Nicolasa forged her own distinguished six-decade career, mastering both the painted black-on-black style of early Santa Clara pottery and later transitioning to carved blackware that honored her family's evolving artistic legacy. This wedding vase represents her mature carved period, featuring the deeply impressed bear paw design that her aunt Margaret Tafoya pioneered and that became the defining symbol of Santa Clara Pueblo's most celebrated pottery dynasty.

This listing includes:

• One (1) Hand-Coiled Blackware Wedding Vase - 10" height x 7.5" width (25.4cm x 19cm)

Details:

• Collection: Santa Clara Pueblo Blackware | Artist: Nicolasa Naranjo
• Material: Hand-coiled black clay with traditional stone-polished finish
• Size: 10" height x 7.5" width at widest point (25.4cm x 19cm)
• Made in: Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico
• Production Period: Mid to late 20th century
• Authentication: Hand-signed "Nicolasa Santa Clara" on base
• Condition: Excellent—no chips, cracks, or loss to polished surface; structurally sound throughout

This vase showcases the deeply carved bear paw motif, a powerful symbol in Pueblo culture representing strength, protection, and leadership. According to Santa Clara legend, the bear guided the pueblo's people to water during a devastating drought, making the bear paw an emblem of survival and the life-giving force of water. The design features raised relief carving against the signature mirror-black surface achieved through reduction firing and meticulous hand-polishing with river stones—a labor-intensive technique requiring exceptional skill. The vase's double-spouted form with central opening creates dramatic sculptural presence while honoring centuries-old vessel shapes, equally commanding as a standalone display piece or filled with natural botanicals.

Perfect for:

• Native American art collections and Southwest pottery displays
• Cultural heritage displays honoring indigenous artistry
• Sculptural centerpieces for dining tables or console surfaces
• Museum-quality decorative objects for living rooms and entryways
• Gift-giving for art collectors, anthropology enthusiasts, or Southwest design lovers
• Housewarming presents celebrating authentic craftsmanship
• Anniversary or milestone gifts with cultural significance
• Legacy pieces for generational collections
• Gallery wall vignettes with other Native American textiles or artifacts
• Study or library displays alongside ethnographic books and objects

Looks beautiful in:

• Living rooms on mantels, built-in shelving, or coffee tables
• Dining rooms as sculptural centerpieces or sideboard displays
• Entryways on console tables for dramatic first impressions
• Home offices or studies on desks or bookshelf displays
• Bedrooms on dressers or nightstands as personal art
• Gallery walls or display niches with focused lighting

Complements these styles:

• Southwest Contemporary and Adobe Aesthetic
• Mountain Lodge and Cabin Rustic
• Western Americana and Ranch Style
• Organic Modern and Natural Minimalist
• Global Eclectic and Worldly Maximalist

Care Instructions:

• Dust gently with soft, dry cloth or natural bristle brush
• Avoid water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners that could damage polished surface
• Handle by supporting base rather than delicate carved rim
• Display away from direct sunlight to preserve depth of black finish
• Store wrapped in acid-free tissue if not displayed

Shipping:
• Museum-quality packaging with full insurance included
• Vase carefully wrapped in multiple layers of archival tissue and bubble wrap with reinforced box construction
• Expedited shipping available upon request
• International buyers responsible for customs duties and import fees in their country