Early B. J. Fragua Jemez Pueblo Polychromed Pot, 1986

  
Betty Jean Fragua aka B. Was born into the Jemez Pueblo Corn Clan in October 1962 to Juanita and Manuel Fragua. Juanita was already an award winning artist, and taught all three of her children pottery, with all of them becoming acclaimed artists.

This pot was made very early in BJ's career, which was thought to have started around 1984 in the Santa Fe Indian Market. Throughout her career she became known for her traditional polychromed and carved pots which had a more contemporary feeling than her mother's work. This is a gorgeous example of her early work that shows her great promise, with precisely painted corn stalks and symbols in an oval medallion on one side of the pot, which has been left matte while the rest of the pot was buffed to a shine. The pot is in very good condition, with no cracks or chips. There is some wear to the signature on the bottom, and a darker spot on one side.

It measures approximately 2.75" tall and 4" wide. Sadly, BJ passed away fairly young in 2022. This early example of her fine craftsmanship and creative approach is a treasure for any Jemez Pueblo collectors!