Erik Fender is the son of Martha Appleleaf and the grandson of noted potter Carmelita Dunlap. Erik combines classic San Ildefonso imagery with his own creative style. His pottery is signed, with his Tewa name, “Than Tsideh”, which means “Sunbird”.  This canteen has an oval shape with handles on the ends.  The entire piece is fully stone polished. The neck has a prayer feather pattern. The body of the canteen has a water serpent (avanyu).  The canteen was fired a glossy black coloration.   The “cork” is made from corn husk and there is a hand-braided cord through the handles.  It is a striking piece of his pottery.   It is signed, ‘Than Tsideh”.