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

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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

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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

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References

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  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.