SANTA CLARA BLACKWARE POTTERY BEAR PAW MAKER'S MARK OLD LOVELY

Description

Up for Auction is an exceptional old Santa Clara blackware pot.
In purchasing this pot over a decade ago, I was told only that it
was old, and possibly valuable.
I have researched this pot over the years. It does appear old; pots
of this kind made up to 1930 could hold water. This pot can; it has
been submerged in clear water twice over the years to remove dust
with no ill effects.
The older pots often carried maker's marks, rather than Anglo cursive
signatures; this pot carries a bear paw maker's mark inside.
Referencing Santa Clara and Pueblo pottery in '' Southwest Pottery,
Anasazi to Zuni", A. Hayes and J. Blom, pg. 22;''The signature is a recent
phenomenon. Before 1940, many potters didn't speak English, and even
fewer wrote it. A potter's name on the bottom of an old pot was probably
written by the buyer or by the trader who sold it."
And pg. 130, ref. Santa Clara; "One source dates the earliest piece with
a bear paw at 1903, but others say the symbol goes back to the mid-
nineteenth century." The pot is 8 & 1/4" W by 4 & 3/4" H with a diameter
of opening 6 & 3/8", and approximate weight as shown in photos.
The pot in in good condition for it's age. There is a small flaw, evident
in photos, and what appears to be tiny spots of white paint on the pot.
Having seen this exact design on a pot by Margaret Tafoya, perhaps
this pot was done by her, or a family member as well. I do hope that
the maker's mark on the inside will help to identify the maker.
The bear paw mark is inside the pot; at the bottom, and shown in
photos.
Please view all of the close up photos provided in the listing for details,
and to determine if this is for your collection.
Packaging will be done with care, and shipping is prompt.
Pot will be double boxed for shipping.
Thank you for your interest in this lovely pot.