The Flight Path of
Wayne Snowbird Shields

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | January 2026

Wayne Snowbird Shields is a distinguished contemporary potter from Santa Clara Pueblo (Khaʼpʼoe Ówîngeh), one of New Mexico’s renowned Tewa-speaking communities along the Rio Grande. Famous for its innovative blackware and redware traditions, Santa Clara has produced generations of masterful artists who push the boundaries of Pueblo pottery.

Six new pieces have just arrived at Chimayo Trading Del Norte from Wayne Snowbird Shields. Come to our gallery in Ranchos de Taos to see them in person or visit us online at chimayotrading.com.

“Grandmother”
10″ x 4″
$375

Shields, often signing his works simply as “Snowbird Santa Clara,” stands out for his expressive figurative sculptures that blend traditional techniques with storytelling elements rooted in Pueblo culture.

“Grandmother”
10″ x 3″
$375

Born and raised in Santa Clara Pueblo, Shields draws deeply from the pueblo’s legacy of hand-coiled pottery. Like many Santa Clara artists, he uses local red clays, forming pieces entirely by hand. His works are traditionally reduction-fired outdoors, resulting in the signature black finish that characterizes the pueblo’s style.

“Grandmother Wood Gatherer”
9.5″ x 3″, 14″ Wood Bundle
$320

Shields is particularly celebrated for his storyteller style figures—a genre popularized in Pueblo pottery during the 20th century that he has adopted and turned into his own signature style. Shields’ figures often feature faceless designs or minimal facial details, a stylistic choice common in Pueblo art to emphasize spiritual essence over individuality. His pieces frequently incorporate polished and matte contrasts, deep incisions, or subtle additions like feathers and inlaid stones, showcasing his versatility while honoring tradition.

“Grandmother Wood Gatherer”
10″ x 2.5″, 15″ Wood Bundle
$320

Chimayo Trading has been representing the work of Wayne Snowbird Shields for over 25 years. His work reflects a commitment to cultural preservation amid contemporary innovation.

“Grandmother Wood Gatherer”
11″ x 3″, 20″ Wood Bundle
$375

In a pueblo known for forward-thinking artists, Wayne Snowbird Shields continues this legacy with quiet mastery. His sculptures not only adorn collections but also serve as vessels for Pueblo stories, ensuring traditions soar into the future, like a snowbird on its eternal flight path.

“Grandmother Wood Gatherer”
10″ x 2”, 8″ Wood Bundle
$320

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Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

We buy individual pieces or whole collections.

Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

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