LuAnn Tafoya is known for the large scale of her pottery.  She is a daughter of Margaret Tafoya and a granddaughter of SaraFina Tafoya and learned to make the large vessels from her mother.  This unique jar is one that is inspired by the first carved pieces at Santa Clara pueblo, which were created by her grandmother, SaraFina.  The last photo here is the one by SaraFina from which this jar was inspired.  SaraFina created a series of vessels in 1921-2 which were gouged or carved with various animals designs.  The one pictured here had an avanyu or snake design.  LuAnn took this as a point of inspiration and created this jar which has a carved avanyu encircling the piece.  However, unlike much of work, the entire piece is fully polished, EVEN the carved avanyu. The level of difficultly to polish the entire piece at one time and with various levels of carving is extraordinary.  The jar has been traditionally fired black and typical of LuAnn’s polishing, it has a glassy surface.  The jar is a remarkable testament to LuAnn’s skill as a pottery and the incredible legacy of her family!