Maria Laweka (1931-2002)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 clay snake that is slipped white and then painted with bee-weed (black) and red clay slips.  The head is lifted upwards and the tongue is sticking out.  You can’t help but smile!   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.