Stone Polished Red Bear Paw Jar [R]

This is an extraordinary stone polished redware jar by Margaret Tafoya of Santa Clara Pueblo. This magnificent piece was coil formed in native clay over which was applied a red slip which was painstakingly burnished with a polishing stone. This plainware jar features a singular design motif—the carved bear paw on the upper shoulder at three locations. Legend has it that the bear is always able to find water, therefore, a bear paw on a water jar assures that it will always have water in it.

This jar makes a powerful visual statement. There are very few Tafoya redware pieces available. Mostly, she made blackware, as that is what was in demand by collectors. This is a piece for any collector of serious pueblo art. It is undeniably one of her favorite shapes and one that is identified as her hallmark. The jar is signed Margaret Tafoya on the underside. The condition is excellent.