Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery By Shawn Tafoya

ca. 1990

2.75" H x 3.5" D

Hand Coiled Red and Cream Carved Pottery with a Water Serpent Design

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

Shawn Tafoya is noted as an influence on Taos Pueblo potter Camille Bernal, who incorporates techniques like carving and the use of Kewa Pueblo’s “Santo Domingo White” paint in her micaceous clay pottery, suggesting Shawn Tafoya may work in a similar traditional or blended style. Shawn Tafoya is a lesser-documented potter from Santa Clara or a member of the extended Tafoya family. His influence on Bernal suggests he may specialize in traditional Santa Clara techniques, possibly with a focus on carving or sgraffito, given Bernal’s incorporation of these methods.