Santa Clara pottery often carries the impression of a bear paw (LeFree, 1975: 51-52).  Particularly known for this motif is the pottery of  Margaret Tafoya (King, 2017:80-83).  One story is that potters use this motif to honor a bear that saved the pueblo during a drought by leading people to a hidden water source.  The Santa Clara bear figure (1969-06) is no longer part of this collection.

Purchase History:
Purchased in June 1969 at the pueblo.