Naranjo, Maria I. – Clay Horse (1950s)

This clay horse is by Maria I. Naranjo (1919-2015).  She is considered the first potter from Santa Clara pueblo to make nacimientos (nativity) in blackware pottery.  She originally made them in the Spanish style, but started making them in the traditional Indian style in the 1960s.  She also created a variety of figurative animals.  This horse is made from native clay, and it is fully polished.  Maria’s horses are always distinctive, as they have the four legs separated, each individually polished.   The mane and tail are carved into the clay. The piece was fired to a deep black coloration.  I’m always amazed when figurative pieces like this horse survive over the years with any breakage!  The horse is signed, “Margaret N.”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.