Chavarria, Pablita – Jar with Carved Avanyu (1960’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 jar is a classic of her pottery.  It has a round body and a short neck.  The jar is carved with a water serpent (avanyu) encircling the piece.  Note the complex carving on the avanyu with the swirls and angles.  Her 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”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  The last photo is one of Pablita Chavarria with her neighbor, Faustina Gutierrez.