This is very unusual wall sconce by Margaret Tafoya.  It is from the 1960s.  In over 25 years, this is the first wall sconce I have had in the gallery that has been signed by Margaret.  Earlier ones have often been attributed to her father, Geronimo Tafoya.  The wall sconces have rarely held up well over time as they are complex to make, dry, fired and, if used, survive hanging on a wall!  To make them, there are actually five different sections of clay that have to be joined together while wet. Then when it is dry, the entire piece is fully stone polished and then traditionally fired. This piece has three holders for candles and a hole at the top to be hung on a wall. The entire front is fully polished.  I had a metal museum mount made for the piece as it allows it to stand on its own as both a sculpture and a testament to Margaret’s ability as a potter!  The back is matte and it is signed in the clay, “Margaret Tafoya, Santa Clara Pueblo”.  Overall it is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  There are some rubs and it was used, but overall, great condition for its age!