Santa Clara Pueblo Seed Jar Pottery By Emily Tafoya

Late 20th Century

2.25" H x 2" D

Hand Coiled Fine Incised Seed Jar with Carved Turtle Geometric Motif Design

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

Emily Tafoya is an Oklahoma Kiowa Indian, Emily (b 1958) has made Santa Clara her home since 1973 with her husband Ray. Her work is on display in many galleries throughout the Southwest, and she has participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market every year since 1977.

Emily creates incised (sgrafitto) Santa Clara pottery. Her pots are traditionally made and then completely covered with contemporary design work. Clay from local hills is combined with volcanic ash found in the Espanola Valley of northern New Mexico. The pots are carefully formed and the clay slip is applied in layers. The piece is then polished to a high sheen. The firing techniques bring out the desired colors: black, red, or green. The pots are then painstakingly etched. The result is a sparkling pottery gem prized by collectors the world over. They know to look for the authentic snow-capped mountain logo at the bottom go each pot along with Emily’s name.

Emily counts her five children – all potters – as her life’s greatest achievement. The family enthusiastically explores new design ideas, and Emily continues to develop her unique stylized motifs while also working on larger pieces in addition to the miniatures for which she is known.