A Magnificent Large “Black Cherry” Jar by Linda Tafoya Sanchez [SOLD]

This exquisite "Black Cherry" (Linda's description) jar is a testament to the masterful artistry of Linda Tafoya Sanchez of Santa Clara Pueblo. A breathtaking example of traditional craftsmanship elevated with personal innovation, it showcases Linda's unique talent. While red pottery is common from Santa Clara Pueblo, Linda's new firing technique has produced a spectacular cherry-red finish, setting this piece apart. This is a new innovation in pottery.

The jar was coil-built, hand-carved, and fired using time-honored methods as modified by Linda. Its surface is a study in contrasts, with portions of the deep red clay meticulously stone-polished to a high sheen, creating a stunning visual interplay with the more matte, micaceous clay on other areas.

The design is organized into five distinct horizontal bands. The neck and lower band of the jar feature elegant, alternating vertical sections of eagle feathers that are highly stone polished. The second band from the top, features small square G-shaped boxes, alternating between stone polished and micaceous slip. The middle band features a pair of stone polished Avanyu (water serpents). One more band downward is a series of alternating stone polished and micaceous squares of varying linear designs. The top of the rim is flat with stone-polished red slip which proceeds down into the interior of the jar for a short distance.

This piece beautifully reflects Linda Tafoya Sanchez's ability to balance tradition with artistic individuality, a trait of many innovators from Santa Clara Pueblo. Signed on the bottom as Linda Tafoya Sanchez, Santa Clara Pueblo, she is the granddaughter of the legendary potter Margaret Tafoya. Trained by her aunt Mary Ester Archuleta, Linda (b.1962), has expanded beyond traditional blackware, blending diverse finishes and incorporating micaceous clay. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous awards from institutions like the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum, and she notably received a commission to create a piece for the Prince of Spain.

Condition: Newly finished by the artist, delivered to us on 19 December 2025

Provenance: A Magnificent Large "Black Cherry" Jar by Linda Tafoya Sanchez (directly from the artist)

Recommended Reading: Pueblo Indian Pottery 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Lee and Betty Tafoya, Margaret Tafoya, Contemporary Southwest Indian Pottery, Linda Tafoya Sanchez, Mary Ester Archuleta