Chavarria, Pablita – 10″ Tall Long Neck Jar with Carved Avanyu & Mountains (1970’s)

Pablita Chavarria was the matriarch of a family of exceptional potters, including Clara Shije, Reycita Naranjo, Elizabeth Naranjo, Florence Browning, and Mary Singer.  This long-neck jar is a classic of her pottery.  It has eight carved mountains around the neck.  Around the body of the jar is a carved avanyu.  The carved designs are fully polished. The avanyu on the jar is also fully etched with flower motifs across the entire surface.  It seems to me unlikely that she did the etching, and it could have one of her children or grandchildren.  However, the designs are tightly etched and consistent in style across the entire surface.  The jar was fired a deep black coloration.  You might also notice the style of avanyu with the backward extended horn is a hallmark of her work and that of her descendants.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Pablita C.”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  The last photo is one of Pablita Chavarria with her neighbor, Faustina Gutierrez.

Brand

Chavarria, Pablita (1903-1979)

Pablita Tafoya Chavarria was a daughter of Candido and Octaviana Tafoya. She was the mother of noted potters Clara Shije, Reycita Naranjo, Elizabeth Naranjo, Florence Browning, and Mary Singer. She was known for her black-on-black and carved pottery.  She signed her pottery, "Pablita".