Tafoya, Margaret – Red on Red Box with Avanyu (1930’s -1940’s)

4.5" long x 3.5"w x 4.5"h (w/ lid)

$ 4,000.00

This is one of the few boxes by Margaret Tafoya. The early boxes were inspired by the traditional corn meal boxes/bowls that were made to hold corn meal.  In the 1920’s the square shaped vessels acquired lids and were called, “cigarette boxes”. They are a distinctive form to both Santa Clara and San Ildefonso for the times.  Unfortunately, due to the shape and the lid, they often did not survive well over time.  They remain one of the most fascinating shapes but also one of the rarest.  This box is painted with the red clay slip to create the design.  There is an avanyu on two sides and a cloud and rain on the other two sides.  The top of the lid has a cloud and rain pattern. The box is fully polished on the inside and outside! It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Margaret Tafoya”. It is in good condition with no, cracks, restoration or repair. There are some small areas of wear, a small ding on one corner and the white dots are a few little pops from the clay. The box is from the 1930’s to 1940’s era.  It is definitely a unique and unusual piece by Margaret Tafoya.  It is featured in the book, “Born of Fire” on page 52.