Santa Clara Pottery

Santa Clara pueblo is located north of Santa Fe along the Rio Grande River and dates back to the 12th century. Santa Clara potters are known for their wonderful carved red ware and black ware as well as polychrome on red ware. Like Maria at San Ildefonso Margaret Tafoya at Santa Clara became widely known as one of the best pueblo potters in history. In addition to her incredible ability to mold large storage jars she mastered the use of a simple impressed bear paw motif that has become synonymous with Santa Clara pottery. Today Santa Clara produces a wide variety of forms and styles as evidenced by the overwhelming number of potters who participate in Santa Fe’s yearly Indian Market.