Vessel
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels
Datec. 1940
Made AtSanta Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, United States, North America
MediumClay
Dimensions9 × 8 3/8 in. (22.9 × 21.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Len and Toni Wood
Object number95.71.13
DescriptionThis is a 20th century vessel of the Santa Clara Pueblo near the mouth of the Santa Clara Canyon, and it features an Avanyu (water serpent) motif. 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
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