This is one of the largest pieces we have had by Madeline Tafoya (1912-2002).  She was known for her carved and polished pottery.  This is one of her larger black-on-black painted vessels.  The jar has a high, sharp shoulder.  The entire surface is fully polished.  Above the shoulder, it is painted with a feather pattern in two sections and a large plant design in the other two sections.  The jar was fired to a nearly silver coloration.  This is from the heat in the firing.  Do you see the little dots on one side? That is also from the firing and Margaret Tafoya used to call it the “appaloosa” coloration.  It is just how the manure and ash touched the surface of the jar.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Madeline T.”