Erik Fender is the son of Martha Appleleaf and the grandson of noted potter Carmelita Dunlap. Erik combines classic San Ildefonso imagery with his own creative style. His pottery is signed, with his Tewa name, “Than Tsideh”, which means “Sunbird”.  This water jar is made from native clay.  It has a sharp shoulder and elongated neck.  The neck is polished red.  The jar is painted with mineral slips, and there is a feather and rain design.  Below the shoulder are rain clouds and prayer feathers.  There are two rows of shell and turquoise hei-shi beads.  The jar was traditionally fired.  It is signed, ‘Than Tsideh”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.