This is a classic jar by Linda Tafoya-Sanchez is striking in design and polish.  The piece is coil-built, carved, stone polished and traditionally fired. The jar has a “cloud rim” that undulates in shape and is fully polished. The sides are carved with a large avanyu as the design.  The avanyu is fully polished and there is a micaceous slipped band above and below.  As the water serpent (avanyu) represents the water, here Linda has portrayed it as if it is flowing through the river.  Note as well the square shape of the head on Linda’s avanyu, which is inspired by the work of her father, Lee Tafoya.  The style of the bowl has a very modernist appearance and yet is classic in traditional design elements.  It is signed on the bottom, “Linda Tafoya Oyenque”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

The story of the Water Serpent as told by Toni Roller:

“The water serpent, we were told, it represents life. It represents the water, which is important to life, to people, plants, and animals. The water design is very important to put on pots to honor that serpent. We used to ask, “What is the water serpent?” We were told the water serpent is in the rivers, the big rivers. At one time, when my mother was young, there were no bridges to cross over the Rio Grande. They were always told that if you see a water serpent, your life is going to be long. She did see one laying on the rock. She said it was huge, snakelike, and she said she just stared at it and couldn’t holler for anyone else to see. If you look at the serpent design, it has all the weather designs. The lightning on the tongue of the serpent, and there are mountain designs and rain designs and all the weather elements. .”  Toni Roller, Spoken Through Clay