Exceptional Lela Naranjo Gutierrez Offering Bowl | Santa Clara Pueblo

£550.00

The Story

An exceptional and very rare historical piece of Native American Pueblo pottery. This small redware clay offering bowl was handcrafted by Lela Naranjo Gutierrez (1895-1966), a legendary matriarch of the Santa Clara Pueblo. It features a stunning central band of polychrome motifs, including feathered triangles (representing growth), arcs (blessings), and arrows (power and movement). Sourced from the estate of a dedicated English collector, this bowl is a museum-quality example of early 20th-century artisan skill.

The Details

  • Dimensions: 7cm H x 10cm W (at widest point)

  • Material: Traditionally Coiled Local Clay | Matte Pigments & Slip

  • Era: Circa 1930s–1940s | Incised signature ‘Lela’ to base.

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Features light surface wear and minor "flea nibbles" consistent with its 80+ year history. Note: Historic Pueblo pottery is for decorative use only and must not be used with water.

Heritage Note

Lela Naranjo Gutierrez is celebrated as one of the seven matriarchs of Pueblo pottery. Alongside her husband, Van, she was a true pioneer, breaking away from traditional Santa Clara blackware to develop this groundbreaking polychrome style. Her method involved using earth-toned matte pigments on a neutral ground, a technique that transformed Native American ceramic art. Early pieces signed simply "Lela" (before her later collaborations with Van) are particularly sought after by international collectors.

Sustainable Shipping

  • 100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.

  • U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.

The Story

An exceptional and very rare historical piece of Native American Pueblo pottery. This small redware clay offering bowl was handcrafted by Lela Naranjo Gutierrez (1895-1966), a legendary matriarch of the Santa Clara Pueblo. It features a stunning central band of polychrome motifs, including feathered triangles (representing growth), arcs (blessings), and arrows (power and movement). Sourced from the estate of a dedicated English collector, this bowl is a museum-quality example of early 20th-century artisan skill.

The Details

  • Dimensions: 7cm H x 10cm W (at widest point)

  • Material: Traditionally Coiled Local Clay | Matte Pigments & Slip

  • Era: Circa 1930s–1940s | Incised signature ‘Lela’ to base.

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Features light surface wear and minor "flea nibbles" consistent with its 80+ year history. Note: Historic Pueblo pottery is for decorative use only and must not be used with water.

Heritage Note

Lela Naranjo Gutierrez is celebrated as one of the seven matriarchs of Pueblo pottery. Alongside her husband, Van, she was a true pioneer, breaking away from traditional Santa Clara blackware to develop this groundbreaking polychrome style. Her method involved using earth-toned matte pigments on a neutral ground, a technique that transformed Native American ceramic art. Early pieces signed simply "Lela" (before her later collaborations with Van) are particularly sought after by international collectors.

Sustainable Shipping

  • 100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.

  • U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.