Santa Clara Tall Red Avanyu Pottery Jar by LuAnn Tafoya [SOLD]

This tall red Avanyu jar by LuAnn Tafoya from 2006 is a striking example of Santa Clara Pueblo pottery, standing at 14 inches in height and 11 inches in width. The highly polished clay is masterfully burnished to a deep, rich finish, a testament to Tafoya's renowned craftsmanship. A sienna-colored Avanyu, the Tewa water serpent, encircles the jar's mid-body, contrasting beautifully against the red surface of the remaining part of the jar. In Pueblo tradition, the Avanyu is a powerful symbol of water and life, representing rain and the flow of rivers that sustain the land.

The jar's elegant form features a wide shoulder that extends into a graceful high collar, emphasizing Tafoya's ability to balance traditional techniques with refined aesthetics. Her pottery is highly sought after, not only for its exceptional workmanship but also for her deep artistic lineage. As the daughter of the legendary Margaret Tafoya and a descendant of generations of master potters, LuAnn Tafoya continues the legacy of Santa Clara pottery with her beautifully sculpted forms and impeccable finishes. Signed on the bottom, LuAnn Tafoya Santa Clara. A card found in the jar indicates that this jar was fired on 6-18-06.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Santa Clara Tall Red Avanyu Pottery Jar by LuAnn Tafoya was originally purchased from House of the Shalako and is from the estate of an Adobe Gallery client.

Recommended Reading: Born of Fire: The Pottery of Margaret Tafoya by Charles S. King

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Sara Fina Tafoya, Margaret Tafoya, LuAnn Tafoya