Robert Tenorio of the Santo Domingo “Kewa” Pueblo, has been working with clay since the age of 10. Born in 1950, he was taught fundamentals of hand coiling pottery using ancient traditional methods from his family members. He is a highly respected pueblo potter. His work is hard to come by and he makes his yearly offering at the Santa Fe Indian Market, where he regularly garners first place ribbons for his work. All of his pieces are hand coiled and fired outdoors with cottonwood bark. Many of his works are large format pieces and this serving dish, with it’s eagle head accent, is an unusual piece. The dyes, or paints that he uses are all prepared using traditional plants that can be found in and around the pueblo. His design sense and decorative style has been emulated by many as his “soft edged” approach renders his undeniable connection to the earth in a gentle way. This piece is fully signed yet the recently adopted star pattern below his name is missing, indicating this piece has some considerable age. The bowl measures 4.25 by 4.75” and is 1.75” tall when measured at the unique eagle’s head handle. Some of his recent 1st Place awards include Santa Fe Indian Market and the Eighth Northern Arts & Crafts Show. This is an outstanding example of Kewa Pueblo pottery by an established and highly collectible artisan.
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