Magnificent Santa Clara Pueblo Historic Pottery Jar by Sara Fina Tafoya [SOLD]

This magnificent black historic pottery jar with fluted rim, bear paw impressions, and a double rainbow shoulder is attributed to Sara Fina Tafoya. It was in the collection of Francis H. Harlow, author and expert on pueblo pottery. It is published in Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians 1600-1880, page 41, and also in Modern Pueblo Pottery, page 30.

Harlow describes the jar as "This classic form of Santa Clara Black pottery retains a modified version of the ancient Tewa pottery shape. Notice three sculptured areas: the fluted rim, the raised ridge at the base of the neck, and the carved bear paw. The bear paw has been a common Santa Clara motif since 1850. The surface, including the interior of the rim, is a glossy black". Additionally, he states that it is a water jar with bear paw designs made to be used. Circa 1900.

This blackware jar is an outstanding example of Sara Fina Tafoya's work. The vessel shape is that which the artist preferred and perfected, with a wide rounded body, a strong flared neck, and a fluted rim. At first glance, the design seems simple and elegant. But as the observer looks closer and understands that the function of this jar is to carry water, more design elements suddenly appear. It has been suggested that the fluted rim represents rain, and the rain falls and hits right at the shoulder, falling on a two-tiered shoulder above the midbody which has been identified as a double rainbow.

Three bear paw impressions appear on the neck. Each is formed by a group of three vertical lines surrounded by a wider U-shaped line. Pueblo legend states that bear paws on a water jar will strengthen the chances that the jar will always contain water. The gorgeous tone of the polished exterior is perfectly matched to the vessel, and the piece is rich in elegance and beauty.

Nineteenth-century pueblo potters, almost always female, did not seek fame or fortune. They went about their daily tasks of raising children, cooking for the family, and making pottery, sometimes for use in their homes and other times for sale for extra funds for daily needs. It is not in the nature of the pueblo people to be recognized as better at something than others of their village. They all worked for the benefit of the clan, family, village, and neighbors.

Fame and fortune were forced on some potters because that is the way it is perceived in the White culture. Collectors want to collect from artists who are known by others to be exceptional at their work and this then does select individuals for attention. Names of women potters such as Nampeyo, Maria Martinez, Helen Cordero, Margaret Tafoya, Martina Vigil, Lucy Lewis come to mind when thinking of famous potters today. Of the older generation, there were Tsayutitsa, Mary Histia, Arroh-ah-och, Toña Peña Vigil, and others. None sought fame but they earned it, and it was bestowed on them by us. That is why we recognize their names.

One of the most famous nineteenth-century Santa Clara Pueblo potters was Sara Fina Tafoya (circa 1863-1950) Autumn Leaf. Tafoya married Geronimo Tafoya and had eight children, a group that included Margaret Tafoya. Sara Fina was an exceptional potter from about 1880 to 1950, making large, magnificent pottery jars, some more than three feet tall. Because she lived and worked into the first half of the twentieth century, her name is familiar to collectors today and her pottery is easily recognizable. One of her signature vessel shapes is this exaggerated-width water jar. Tafoya's works are included in many major public and private collections.

Condition: this Magnificent Santa Clara Pueblo Historic Pottery Jar by Sara Fina Tafoya very good condition

Provenance:  Francis H. Harlow, Los Alamos, NM collection

References:

- Frank, Larry and Francis H. Harlow. Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians 1600-1880, New York Graphic Society, Boston, 1974.

- Harlow, Francis H. Modern Pueblo Pottery 1880-1960. Northland Press, Flagstaff. 1977

TAGS: Christina Naranjo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Mary Cain, Pueblo Pottery, Margaret Tafoya, Camilio Tafoya, utilitarian vessels, Tammy Garcia, Linda Cain, Sara Fina Tafoya, Santa Clara Pueblo Potter and Matriarch