Tafoya, Betty – 8″ Tall Jar with Butterfly Design (1970s)

This is a large jar by Betty Tafoya.  She was taught to make pottery by her husband, Lee Tafoya, who was a son of Margaret Tafoya.  While they often collaborated on pottery throughout his career, she also made pieces on her own.  This piece is in the shape of a storage jar with a high shoulder and short neck.  The neck and base are fully polished. The center of the jar is carved with three large sections that are a butterfly design.  It is deeply carved and highly polished.  The entire piece is fully polished and fired a silvery black.  Betty was well known for the polishing on her pottery and taught that artistic skill to her daughter, Linda Tafoya.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Betty Tafoya”.

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Tafoya, Betty (1933-1988)

Betty Tafoya was the wife of Lee Tafoya, a son of noted potter Margaret Tafoya. Their children include Linda Tafoya, who is also a well-known potter. Lee taught Betty how to make pottery and they often collaborated on pottery throughout his career. These two bowls are signed by Betty alone. Betty's pottery can be found in numerous books, including "Born of Fire".