Tapia, Belen – Large Polychrome Bowl with Feather Designs (1970s)

Belen Tapia was a diverse potter creating everything from painted to carved pottery.  This bowl is from the 1970s.  At that time, she had moved from carved pottery to polychrome pottery.  The bowl is fully polished and painted.  There are two sections of feathers and two sections angular mountains and rain designs.  The bowl is first polished red and then painted with blue, and peach colored clays.  It was then outlined with white clay.  It is this color combination for which she became highly recognized in the 1980s.  It is a visually striking coloration.  Belen Tapia was a niece of Sara Fina Tafoya and the mother of Anita Suazo, and Anna Archuleta.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Belen Tapia” and it is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

Brand

Tapia, Belen (1916-1999)

Belen Tapia was a daughter of Tomas and Maria Tafoya.  She was a niece of SaraFina Tafoya and a sister of Ramoncita Sisneros and the mother of Anita Suazo, Frank Tapia, and Anna Archuleta. She began making pottery in the 1930s during the early years of Santa Clara polychrome pottery. However, by the 1950's she was making primarily carved pottery with unique designs and forms. By the 1980's she was again making polychrome pottery, bringing her artistry full circle. Both of these pieces are from the 1980's. They are each highly polished with a red surface and then painted with various clay slips. The colors; peach, blue, ochre, and white are all natural clay slips.