Naranjo, Reycita

Reycita Chavarria Naranjo was born into Santa Clara Pueblo in 1926, the daughter of Pablita Chavarria and Jose M. Chavarria. Among her siblings were Clara Shije, Elizabeth Naranjo, Florence Browning and Mary Singer. Like her sisters, Reycita learned how to make pottery by watching and working with her mother as she was growing up. She became active in the marketplace around 1940 and she passed on in 2003.

Reycita was known for her highly polished and finely carved blackware jars, bowls and wedding vases. She was especially known for the twisted handles on her wedding vases. Her favorite designs included the avanyu, kiva steps and bands of feathers.