Given a Tewa name meaning High Hawk when he was born in 1959, award-earning ceramicist James Ebelacker is a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo Corn Clan. He is also the grandson of legendary Santa Clara potter Margaret Tafoya. James and his brother Richard learned the traditional way to make pottery from their mother, Virginia.

After graduating from high school James served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years. After retiring from the Air Force he was employed by the Veterans Administration. Explaining his joy in now being a potter he said, "Making pottery is different from anything else I have done, and it is relaxing."

James is known for creating highly refined red or black pottery in the style that his grandmother made famous. His graceful large pots are highly stone-polished and often feature his favorite designs: a deeply carved avanyu (water serpent), traditional geometric step designs or bear paw imprints.

James was a participant in the Santa Fe Indian Market for many years, beginning in 1980. That year he won First and Second Place ribbons for his entries, the first such ribbons of many. He generally makes blackware and redware jars, water jars, bowls, vases and large plain storage jars. James has followed the family tradition by passing his knowledge on to his two children. He signs his work: "James Ebelacker, Santa Clara Pueblo".

Some Awards won by James

• 1997 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division A - Traditional, Category 902 - Jars: Second Place
• 1996 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division A - Traditional, Category 902 - Jars: First Place
• 1993 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery: Best of Division
• 1993 Santa Fe Indian Market, Classification II - Pottery, Division D - Traditional pottery, carved, Category 1102 - Jars (over 8" tall): First Place