Santa Clara Black Carved Jar with Avanyu [R]

Teresita Tafoya Naranjo - Apple Blossom was the daughter of Victor and Christina Naranjo and wife of Joe Naranjo, niece to Margaret Tafoya, and the granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya. In the last 20 years of her life, she was perhaps the finest potter of carved blackware at Santa Clara Pueblo.  She was known for her exceptional polish, refined lines and graceful designs.  Her favorite design was the Avanyu (water serpent) as seen on this jar.

Teresita fired her pottery using cow chips instead of strips of bark.  After the firing was almost complete, she covered the kiln with powdery dry horse manure in order for the firing to become one of reduction from its previous one of oxidation.  This is what causes red pottery to turn black during firing.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: from a gentleman collector in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree