Vessel
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels
Date1920-1930
Made AtUnited States, North America
MediumCeramic and pigment
Dimensions11 × 9 in. (27.9 × 22.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Geraldine Davis
Object numberF83.17.1
DescriptionThis is an early 1900s black ware vessel of the Santa Clara Pueblo near the mouth of the Santa Clara Canyon. Along the Rio Grande, the large inhabited pueblo of Santa Clara’s people are thought to be descendants of those who once found a home in the cliffs of Puye. The Santa Clara Pueblo was historically known for several things, including its red-on-tan pottery and the unique distinction of having the oldest pueblo pottery vessel with an attributed creator, a polished black storage jar made by Candelaria Tafoya Gutierrez. As it happens, the Tafoya family of potters were the most influential to come from the Santa Clara Pueblo. Sara Fina Tafoya was born in 1863 and in her life transitioned from highly utilitarian vessels to made-for-sale examples. She was known for creating large vessels and for pioneering two techniques which can both be seen in pots made by her daughters: creating impressions in wet clay and carving designs into the fired vessel before polishing.
On View
Not on view
c. 1940
Kewa Pueblo
