This distinctive jar by Margaret Tafoya is from the 1980’s.  The tall shape and high shoulders are perfect for her deeply carved designs.  This jar is very intricately carved with a repeating prayer feather and cloud pattern.  The background is slipped with the traditional cream colored clay.  Margaret’s work from the 1980’s is always distinctive as the pieces are typically smaller than in earlier years as she was in her 80’s.  However, the carving is often more complicated and the polishing is always exceptional.  This jar is definitely one of her more complicated patterns.  As well, it is great to see her work in red, which is always more difficult to fire.  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.