Jennifer Tafoya is known for her clay vessels and also her amazing animal figures!  This is one of her few boxes.  It has six sides and each has a different bird. There is Red Breasted Nuthatch, America Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker Yellowtail Shafted, and a hummingbird on the lid.  Each bird is etched into the clay with amazing realism.  The lid fits perfectly and sets down into the box.  There is a carved circle under the lid and one inside one of the side and when matched they align perfectly.  The box was traditionally fired black and then after etched, slipped with various clays to create the coloration.  All the various colors are derived from natural clay slips.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Jennifer Tafoya”.  Fantastic!!!