Maria Laweka was a daughter of Damacia Cordero and sister to Martha Arquero and Josephine Arquero.  She began making pottery in the 1960s and was known for her figurative pottery. This is one of her traditional clay figures.  It is a dog with a black tail and black ears.  It is made with traditional Cochiti white clay and painted with wild spinach (black), and traditionally fired.  It is a charming piece!   It is signed on the bottom, “Maria Laweka”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely an exceptional piece by this historically important potter!