Santa Clara Pueblo Black Carved Bowl by Margaret Tafoya [SOLD]

Starting sometime in the early 1950s, Margaret made smaller bowls, such as this one, for sale to tourists visiting the pueblo as well as to take to Royal Gorge for the summer. Margaret and her family spent their summers—from Memorial Day to Labor Day—at the Royal Gorge near Canon City, Colorado, selling pottery and entertaining the tourists with dances and permitting them to photograph the family members—all for a fee. She had made enough pottery before going to Royal Gorge to take with her to sell. She did not make pottery on site.

It was during the 1950s that pueblo pottery underwent a revival in interest by collectors and tourists. Following the lean years of World War II, both from a buyer's standpoint and that of the seller as well, the 1950s saw a renaissance. Americans had sacrificed during the war, skimping and saving for the war effort and now gasoline and tires were again available and travel was possible.

The Southwest was once again of interest and New Mexico saw a tremendous influx of tourists willing and anxious to purchase souvenirs to take back home. Fortunately for the pueblo potters, there was great interest in their pottery.

This small black carved bowl is typical of many that found their way out of the Southwest and into collections from coast to coast. It is a marvelous jar and is beautifully designed with a stylized Avanyu wrapping around the vessel body.

Condition: The jar is in really outstanding condition for a piece of its age. There are no significant scratches and no chips or any other damage. It is signed Margaret on the underside.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading:  Born of Fire: The Pottery of Margaret Tafoya by Charles King