Tina Garcia was well known for her focus on traditional shapes and plainware Santa Clara pottery. This is a classic water jar with a double shoulder or “rainbow ridge”.  It is actually how the clay is pushed out to create the ridge, not just clay added to the surface.  The sharp edge of the rainbow ridge creates a unique angle of reflection for the light.  Tina was continually inspired by historic Santa Clara pottery.  The jar was traditionally fired and is a deep black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom, “Tina Trujillo”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

I wrote in the book, “Born of Fire”:

“Beyond the cultural importance imbued in the shape of the vessel, the legends of Santa Clara Pueblo inspired Sara Fina, and were incorporated into her pottery. On the shoulder of her water jars, a second raised section or “double shoulder” created a “rainbow band,” representing a prayer to prevent the water from evaporating from the jar. She often pinched the clay on the rims of her jars, calling this a “rain drop rim”—the significance was to keep the water sweet and drinkable.”  Charles S. King  Born of Fire