Linda Cain Carved Redware Pottery Jar with Tall Neck

This carved redware jar was made by award winning artist Linda Cain of Santa Clara Pueblo. Its body is wide, with a sharp shoulder leading to a tall, slim neck. The rim is carved into a kiva step pattern, and the uncarved area is squared rather than round. Those who appreciate modern forms will find much to admire in this inventive vessel.

Linda Cain stone polished about half of the jar, from the base to about an inch above the shoulder. She then carved a complex abstract composition made mostly of soft, wide spiral forms. An Avanyu head and a few step patterns appear within the composition. The upper area and neck are slipped in micaceous clay, which gives the piece a subtle sparkle. This piece was undoubtedly challenging to make, but Linda Cain rose to the occasion and made a unique, wonderful jar.

The bottom of the jar is dated and signed 2013, Linda Cain, Santa Clara Pueblo.

Linda Cain (1949- ) Yellow Corn is a daughter of Mary Cain, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 95 years. Linda's sisters are Tina Diaz, Joy Cain, and Margie Tannin, all three of whom are potters of distinction. Linda's daughters are Autumn Borts and Tammy Garcia, nationally recognized potters. To back up another two generations, Linda Cain is the granddaughter of Christina Naranjo and the great granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya (Autumn Leaf). Linda Cain has received many awards at the Heard Indian Art Fair and Santa Fe Indian Market.

Condition: very good condition, a few light abrasions around shoulder

Provenance: this Linda Cain Carved Redware Pottery Jar with Tall Neck is from a private collection

Recommended Reading:

- Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

- Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Mary and Willie Cain, Linda Cain, Mary Cain, Tammy Garcia, Contemporary Southwest Indian Pottery, Joy Cain, Autumn Borts, Christina Naranjo, Sara Fina Tafoya