Santa Clara Avanyu Design Polished Red Jar [SOLD]

To start a discussion about pottery made by Linda Cain, it is wise to regress a little and discuss her heritage.  Linda’s mother was 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).  Christina Naranjo and Margaret Tafoya were sisters. Now, one can see a very large family of talented potters which helps put the quality of this polished red jar in perspective.

This jar was made by Linda in February 1992.  It was signed by the artist and dated as such.  This marvelous jar has a beautiful stone-polished red slip.  The Avanyu water serpent design is outlined by a background of a soft beige slip.  The contrast between the soft background and deep red design is striking.  

Linda has been published in no less than seven national publications and been included in four major exhibitions—Seven Families in Pueblo Pottery, Santa Fe Indian Market, Southwestern Arts, and Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show.

She deserves all the credit she has received because she is an outstanding and accomplished ceramicist.

Condition: this Santa Clara Avanyu Design Polished Red Jar is in original condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf - Linda Cain artist photo courtesy of John D Kennedy and Gregory Schaaf.