This large long neck water jar is one of Margaret Tafoya’s pieces from the early 1960’s. The jar is unusual with the deep red coloration of the polished surface.  There was an older clay slip that was used in the 1940’s that was dark red like this jar but few potters were still using it by the 1960’s.  It could be that Margaret had some of the slip remaining or had come across some for making this jar.  What is interesting as well is that the design of the avanyu (water serpent) is carved in a very thin manner, much similar to that of her work from the 1930’s.  The design works perfectly on the jar with the sharp and thin curls of the body of the avanyu.  Somehow I like the idea that she found some of the early dark red slip and created a jar which where the color of the clay reminded her of her pottery from nearly 30 years earlier.  The background surrounding the carving has the traditional cream colored clay slip which is applied before firing.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Margaret Tafoya”. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is definitely an exceptional jar by this important Santa Clara potter.