Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Santa Clara Contemporary Bowl by Nathan Youngblood

$3,800

Artist: Nathan Youngblood
Style: Bowl
Pueblo: Santa Clara, NM
Period: Contemporary
Dimensions: 6.5” D x 5.25” H
Materials: Santa Clara Clay and Natural Slip
Item: #3666

In stock

Description

Traditional handmade Native American Indian Pottery from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition.

Showcasing an extraordinary level of precision and polish, this contemporary hand-coiled open bowl by master potter Nathan Youngblood exemplifies the absolute highest standard of Santa Clara ceramics. Formed entirely by hand without a wheel, this beautifully balanced, open-top vessel features impeccably thick, uniform walls that serve as the perfect foundation for Youngblood’s signature deep-carving technique. The design features sharply cut, architectural motifs—often inspired by traditional Pueblo symbols like the Avanyu (water serpent), feathers, or kiva steps—creating a striking, dimensional contrast between the recessed matte areas and the brilliantly polished surface.

The true hallmark of a Nathan Youngblood vessel is its breathtaking finish. Using a smooth river stone passed down through generations, the uncarved surface is meticulously hand-rubbed for hours to achieve a flawless, mirror-like gleam. Fired using time-honored traditional methods to achieve a rich, consistent coloration, the resulting bowl is incredibly heavy, dense, and tactile. As a contemporary work, it seamlessly bridges the gap between ancestral Santa Clara traditions and modern sculptural elegance, making it a spectacular focal point for any world-class collection of Native American art.

About The Artist

Nathan Youngblood (born 1954) is a world-renowned contemporary potter from Santa Clara Pueblo and a prominent member of the legendary Tafoya family. He is the grandson of the iconic Margaret Tafoya and the son of Mela Youngblood. His early work quickly earned recognition, taking home First and Second Prizes at the 1970 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. In 1976, he decided to pursue pottery full-time, formally apprenticing with his grandparents to learn the rigorous, ancestral methods of clay gathering, carving, and polishing.

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Pueblo

The Santa Clara Pueblo is a member of the Eight Northern Pueblos, and the people are from the Tewa ethnic group of Native Americans who speak the Tewa language. The Pueblo is on the Rio Grande, between Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo) to the north and San Ildefonso Pueblo to the south. Santa Clara Pottery and its Pueblo are famous for producing hand-crafted pottery, specifically blackware and redware with deep engravings.

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