Santa Clara Red Bowl with Carved Stylized Avanyu [SOLD]

Teresita Tafoya Naranjo (1919-1999) Apple Blossom - Bay-Po-Vi was the daughter of Christina Naranjo and granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya.  She has been acknowledged as one of the finest 20th century potters at Santa Clara Pueblo. Her unexpected death in 1999 was a loss to all pottery collectors.

She was active from 1935 to 1999 and was known for her black and red carved works in the Santa Clara style.  After her husband passed away in 1950, she supported her family solely through sales of her pottery.

She was one of three potters interviewed and published in Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree.  In this publication, she gives a detailed explanation of the traditional use of wedding vessels at Santa Clara Pueblo.

She has been extensively published in many books and articles.  The year before she passed away, she gave an interview to the Los Alamos Monitor newspaper which is summarized in Pueblo Indian Pottery - 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

This exquisite small red jar features a pair of Avanyu - water serpents in stylized form, reportedly one of her most favored designs. It is signed Teresita Naranjo “Apple Blossom” Santa Clara Pueblo.

Condition: The Santa Clara Red Bowl with Carved Stylized Avanyu is in excellent condition overall, fine polish and excellent carving.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Santa Fe

References and Recommended Reading:

- Santa Clara Pottery Today by Betty LeFree

- Pueblo Indian Pottery 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf