Signed Sherry Tafoya Santa Clara Pueblo Monumental Carved Blackware Avanyu Vase

Details

Description

A magnificent hand-coiled Santa Clara Pueblo blackware vase by acclaimed Pueblo potter Sherry Tafoya, beautifully executed in the traditional methods … Read more A magnificent hand-coiled Santa Clara Pueblo blackware vase by acclaimed Pueblo potter Sherry Tafoya, beautifully executed in the traditional methods passed down through generations of the Tafoya family. This impressive vessel features a tall cylindrical neck above a graceful globular body, meticulously stone burnished to a rich mirror-black finish.

Deeply carved in high relief, the vase displays a continuous composition of traditional Pueblo imagery, including the revered Avanyu (Water Serpent)—the ancient Santa Clara symbol of water, rain, fertility, and life. Surrounding the shoulder is a classic kiva-step geometric band, while stylized cloud, lightning, and abstract ceremonial motifs encircle the body, creating movement and exceptional visual depth.

Entirely hand coiled, hand carved, stone polished, and reduction fired using traditional Santa Clara Pueblo techniques, the vase demonstrates the crisp carving, elegant proportions, and flawless burnish for which Sherry Tafoya's work is highly respected.

A striking museum-quality example of contemporary Santa Clara Pueblo pottery that commands attention from every angle.

Measurements
Height: 13.5 inches
Maximum Diameter: 9.5 inches
Opening Diameter: 5 inches
Base Diameter: 3 inches

Condition
Excellent vintage condition. No visible chips, cracks, repairs, or restoration. Beautifully preserved stone-burnished finish with crisp carved decoration. (Based on visual inspection; buyers should review all photographs.)

Artist
Sherry Tafoya
Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico
Sherry Tafoya (b.1956), from Santa Clara Pueblo, is a granddaughter of noted potter Christina Naranjo, a daughter of Mida Tafoya and a niece of Teresita Naranjo and Mary Cain. She is known for her large vessels and complicated designs. Sherry Tafoya was included in the original “7 Families in Pueblo Pottery” exhibit in 1974. And she uses the traditional methods of hand coiling and shaping the pot, sanding, fine clay application then stone polishing before traditionally firing her works. Her deep carved designs and exceptional polish are characteristic of her family tradition, but she has a specific fullness in designs that reflect the contrast of color, depth, and polish.

Techniques
Hand gathered Pueblo clay
Traditional hand-coiled construction
Stone burnished
Deep relief hand carving
Reduction fired blackware See less