Tafoya, Camilio – Seedpot with Realistic Bears (1994-5)

1.5"w x 2"h

$ 1,500.00

This seedpot by Camilio Tafoya is very intricately designed.  It would seem that it most likely was made, polished and the designs was begun by Camilio and then then the designs were finished by his son, Joseph Lonewolf.  While it is signed by Camilio, it would suggest that the piece was already polished.  The sgraffito on the top and in the etched away matte areas are also consistent with the work of Camilo. However, there are indicators that it was finished by Joseph, as he finished several of the pieces which Camilio had in process before he passed.  The bears are all much more intricately etched and designed than on any of the pieces made by Camilio from 1990-5.  There is a bear catching a fish in a stream, and then eating the fish. There is an additional bear family.  The bears are so detailed and they are much closer in style to those of Joseph.  As well, there is the number on the bottom, which is precision etched, and the last letters are JL, which may be Joseph’s initials as the end of the numbering system. The numbering system used by Camilio was typically much shorter and a bit more stylistic in design.  Overall, the piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.