This is an exceptional carved large jar by LuAnn Tafoya.  She is known for her highly polished traditional Santa Clara pottery.  This jar has a round shoulder and a scalloped rim.  The rim is rounded out and even the top of each section is fully polished.   Around the shoulder, the jar is carved with a kiva step and lightning design.  The carved area is matte, in contrast to the highly polished surrounding areas.  LuAnn said of this form and design:

 I like making that scallop rim. I make six or eight scalloped ridges after the top is dry. Then I take the excess clay off and sand it to smooth it off. I saw my mom make these. She’d put on the scallop while it was still kind of damp. Me, I do it after it’s all dry.  My dad told me about the water waves and mountain designs.  The design is the kiva steps and the raindrops. The line carved around the bottom is the “path”of the design. That’s how we were taught. Going to the kiva we go up the stairs. When you are in there you pray for rain. The path, it’s always on the pot, too. “  LuAnn Tafoya, Spoken Through Clay

This jar is highly polished and fired a striking glassy black coloration.  LuAnn is one of the few potters making pieces of such quality and historic continuity.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “LuAnn Tafoya”.  The piece has a blue ribbon (first place) from the 2006 Santa Fe Indian Market.  It is an exceptional example of her skill, creativity, and commitment to traditional Santa Clara pottery.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely a piece of history in clay!