Helen Shupla (1928-1985) - Santa Clara Black Melon Jar c. 1980s, 4" x 6.5" (P2430-CO)

Helen Shupla, of Santa Clara Pueblo and Tohono O'odham, was born in 1928. She was known for her magnificent melon jars. Helen was unique in her method of creating the melon style in that she would push the ribs out from the inside while the clay was still pliable. This process required patience and care, as it is easy to poke an irreparable hole in the clay. Her pottery, highly polished, can be found in red and black. This piece is a high polished black jar; it is in very good condition. There is some rim repair professionally done by Ceramicare in New Mexico and a 5" firing crack moving downward from the rim. Acquired from a private collection in Colorado.