This is a highly polished jar by Cavan Gonzales. He is a descendant of Maria Martinez, through her son Adam Martinez and the son of Barbara Gonzales.  Cavan is one of the few potters today who continues to make traditional San Ildefonso polychrome pottery.  This piece is coil-built, thin-walled, and fully polished.  It is painted with a feather pattern separated by a storm pattern.  On one side there are coral and turquoise inset pieces.  The rim also has a painted bird that has coral and turquoise insets.  It is a creative and complex piece for the size.  The piece was traditionally fired black-on-black and then inset with coral and turquoise after the firing.  The jar is a striking shape with a low shoulder that accentuates the painted designs.  It is signed on the bottom, “Cavan Gonzales Eagle Tail”.  “Eagle Tail” is a translation of his name in Tewa.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repairs.

Brand

Gonzales, Cavan (b. 1970)

Cavan Gonzales

Cavan Gonzales (b.1970) is a great-great-grandson of Maria Martinez, and the son of noted potter Barbara Gonzales. His creative pottery brings to life many of the old traditions of the pueblo. Cavan has won numerous awards for his pottery and his pieces can be found in museums around the U.S. He is also featured in various books, including "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez". He continues the tradition revived by his family over a century ago.