Anna Archuleta
Santa Clara
Eagle Feather
Plate
10 1/4"
Diameter
Anna is another Santa Clara
potter who is equally proficient with polychrome painting as
she is with the carved tradition more typical of this pueblo.
Her carved pieces are very popular, but we've been fortunate
to receive a few of the only non-carved pieces she has created
recently.
Here you see a series of stylized
feathers encircling the plate, along with two bear paws - another
classic Santa Clara motif.
Anna Archuleta has been an
active potter for over 30 years. She enjoys making carved redware
and blackware, polychrome redware bowls, jars and redware melon
pots.
She is the daughter of Jose
Ernest Tapia and Belen Tapia. It was Belen who taught her to
gather the clay, refine it, hand coil the pottery, to carve and
polish. She is married to Fidel Archuleta who also helps her
form her pots and signs with her.
Anna's work reflects her strong
dedication. We liked the high polish, the clean lines, and opaque
slip. This is a nice departure from the deep carved Santa Clara
style pottery we've been seeing from Anna.
