Samuel Manymules
The Enduring Spirit of Clay

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | October 2025

Come to Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos or visit our website at chimayotrading.com to see our collection of these beautiful and individually unique pots, hand-crafted by the highly esteemed Navajo-Diné potter, Samuel Manymules.

In the vast expanse of the Navajo Nation, where red rock canyons meet endless skies, Samuel Manymules crafts vessels that bridge ancient traditions with contemporary innovation. A master potter born in 1963 into the Bitterwater Clan, Manymules has risen from humble beginnings to become a celebrated figure in Native American art, his works embodying resilience, precision, and a profound connection to the earth.

6.25” x 6”
$1650

Manymules’ journey into pottery began later in life, after years spent in varied occupations to support his family amid the economic challenges of reservation life. From jewelry making to towing vehicles and auto sales, he pieced together a living until the pull of clay became irresistible around 2010. Largely self-taught, he drew inspiration from Navajo elders and iconic figures like Christine McHorse, whose bold forms ignited his passion. Manymules shared this in a recent interview, reflecting on his early experiments…

“I was always fascinated by how something so simple as dirt and fire could create beauty.”

8” x 7.25”
$1850

His technique is rooted in time-honored Navajo methods but elevated through personal ingenuity. Starting with clay dug from sacred local sites, he coils and shapes each piece by hand, often incorporating subtle textures like melon ribs or sharp faceted edges that catch light dramatically. The firing process is where magic unfolds: outdoor pit firings using juniper wood and manure produce unpredictable “fire clouds”—those ethereal patches of smoky blacks, siennas, and blushes that no two pieces share alike. Post-firing, he applies piñon pitch as a sealant while the pots are still hot, then buffs them to a glassy sheen with a cloth, transforming utilitarian forms into luminous sculptures.

9.5” x 8”
$2150

What sets Manymules apart is his minimalist philosophy. Eschewing elaborate decorations, he lets form and finish speak volumes. A classic water jar might evoke the gentle curve of a desert spring, while a swirled olla hints at the windswept dunes of his homeland. These vessels, ranging from modest 6-inch bowls to imposing 18-inch jars, are not just containers; they’re meditations on harmony between human hands and nature’s elements.

8” x 9”
$2200

Recognition has followed his dedication. Since entering major competitions in the early 2000s, Manymules has amassed awards, including multiple first-place honors at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the prestigious Best of Division at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair. Collectors prize his works for their rarity— he produces only a limited number annually due to the labor-intensive process—and their investment value, with pieces fetching thousands at galleries like Chimayo Trading Del Norte.

5.5” x 5.5”
$975

Beyond the studio, Manymules mentors young Navajo artists, emphasizing cultural preservation in a modern world.

“Pottery taught me patience and prayer, each firing is a lesson in letting go, trusting the fire.”

As climate change alters traditional clay sources and urban influences encroach, his art stands as a testament to adaptability. In Samuel Manymules’ hands, clay becomes a vessel for stories—of survival, spirituality, and sublime beauty. His pottery doesn’t just adorn shelves; it inspires a deeper appreciation for the land that birthed it.

4” x 4.5”
$925

5.5” x 5.5”
$1425

5.5” x 5.75”
$1500

7.5” x 9”
$2200

If you have enjoyed our newsletters and learning about the artists and artwork we represent, or if you’ve had a good experience visiting our gallery, please take a moment to let us know by leaving a review using the links below.

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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