Robert Tenorio (born December 29, 1950) is a Kewa (Santo Domingo) potter.[1]

Robert Tenorio
Born (1950-12-29) December 29, 1950 (age 73)
Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S.
Alma materInstitute of American Indian Arts
OccupationNative American traditional potter

Early life edit

Robert Tenorio was born on December 29, 1950, on the Kewa Pueblo to parents Andrew and Juanita Tenorio,[1] members of the Fire Clan. His paternal grandmother was potter Andrea Ortiz [Wikidata] (1900–1993) and his maternal aunt was potter Lupe B. Tenorio (1902–1990).[1][2] His siblings include potter Hilda Coriz (1949–2007), Paulita Pacheco (1943–2008), and Mary.[2] His nephew is potter Ambrose Atencio (born 1963).

Education and career edit

His aunt Lupe taught him in early life traditional pottery techniques, including the preparation of black paint made from Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Bee Plant), and cream slip made from a green bentonite clay from the Cochiti Pueblo.[2] Tenorio attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and studied pottery under Otellie Loloma.[1]

His work is typically signed as, "Robert Tenorio, KEWA, N.M." He often makes flared rim olla jars, bowls, and canteens in red, black and cream colors; that feature either a geometric design, or a floral or animal motif.[2]

Tenorio has work in museum collections including at the Denver Art Museum,[3] the National Museum of the American Indian,[4] Musée du Nouveau Monde [fr],[5] and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.[6]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "Robert Tenorio". Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  2. ^ a b c d Davis, Mary B. (2014-05-01). Native America in the Twentieth Century: An Encyclopedia. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-63861-0.
  3. ^ "Jar 1995". Denver Art Museum. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  4. ^ "Jar". National Museum of the American Indian. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  5. ^ "Fiche objet n°143221: vase". Alienor.org (in French). Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  6. ^ "Object Monday: Polychrome bowl by Robert Tenorio". Maxwell Museum. The University of New Mexico. Retrieved 2021-12-07.