Taos Pueblo Pottery Bowl By John ‘Yellowbird” Samora

ca. 1998

2.625″ H x 7″ D

Hand Coiled from Micaceous Clay with Fire Clouds

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

John “Yellowbird” Samora is a contemporary potter from Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, known for his work with traditional micaceous clay (a signature material from the Taos area that gives pottery a distinctive shimmering, metallic appearance due to high mica content).

Taos Pueblo pottery is traditionally hand-built (often using coil methods), minimally decorated to emphasize form over intricate patterns, and fired in outdoor kilns or reductions, resulting in functional yet artistic vessels. Samora’s style leans contemporary: he focuses on fluid, organic, liquid-inspired shapes that transform traditional Pueblo forms into modern expressions, with less emphasis on surface designs and more on elemental, sculptural qualities. He’s described as being “attracted to water” and creating pieces with a sense of movement and abstraction.

He’s part of a talented familyhis sister is the renowned jewelry artist Maria Samora, who has noted his early artistic promise. Other family or related potters from Taos include names like Jeri Samora, but Yellowbird (John) specializes in pottery with a modern twist on tradition.