Tafoya, Linda & Mel Tafoya – Bowl with Bear Paws (1980s)

6"w x 4"h

$ 475.00

This is a collaborative bowl by Linda Tafoya and her brother, Melvin Tafoya.  They are both children of Lee & Betty Tafoya and grandchildren of Margaret Tafoya.  Mel made the bowl and Linda carved the bear paws and polished the surface.  The bear paw is symbolic of a story where a bear led the Pueblo people to water during a drought.  Of equal interest, each potter devises their own style of bear paw as a “signature” of sorts.  The bear paw is carved into the clay before the piece is polished.  This bowl is highly polished, as expected from Linda.  The bowl is fired a deep black.  It is signed on the bottom, “Mel Tafoya, Linda Tafoya-Oyenque, Brother and Sister”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.