12.02.23 Jemez Pueblo Pottery

The Elegant Carved Pottery
of Jemez Pueblo

By Rebekah Powers | December 2023

Identifiable, exquisitely elegant and undeniably modern, the melon pots of Jemez Pueblo are generations in the making. The Yepa family is one of the biggest names in award winning pottery now being featured in our gallery.

Born in 1968 into the Jemez Coyote Clan, called Walatowa (the Towa word for “the place”) Emma Yepa learned how to make pots from her accomplished grandmother Reyes Toya, her mother Ida Yepa and her aunt Alvina Yepa. The child demonstrated great ability at a young age. “The place” for Emma in the Yepa lineage would be the 3rd generation of award winning potters from the Coyote and Sun Clans of Jemez Pueblo.

Emma has distinguished herself with her swirl, deep grooves and her unique combinations of clay colors including rust, cream and a special sage green clay body natural to northern New Mexico.

In addition to Emma Yepa pots and jars in all sizes, Chimayo Trading has acquired a masterful large sleek jar with vertical grooves by Alvina Yepa and an elongated wedding vase, beautifully designed and finished by Pauline Romero. Another distinctive name in the Jemez is Marcella Yepa, another award winning potter who has made tradition cool with her graceful forms and highly polished pottery.

A recent iteration of Jemez pottery making includes a major contribution from Gabriel Gonzales. He has taken every element of the tradition to a new level and turned the clay black as well, using the ancient firing techniques. The simplicity of the pieces echo the ancients and the graceful shapes read contemporary assuring his own place. The name of Gabriel Gonzales is sure to echo in the halls of museums and galleries worldwide.

Stop by the Ranchos Plaza and get in the Jemez groove at Chimayo Trading where the future is being made.

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

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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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