Tafoya, SaraFina – Plate with Avanyu and Wild Boar (1930’s)

8" dia

$ 4,000.00

SaraFina Tafoya was the matriarch of a family of renowned potters,  including her children Margaret Tafoya, Camilio Tafoya, and Christina Naranjo. While she is known for her large vessels, in the 1930’s she created a series of smaller painted and plainware vessels which were signed.  They are unusual and scarce pieces, yet a fascinating part of the history of Santa Clara pottery.  This is an exceptional polychrome plate.  The design in the center is a boar and it is surrounded by an avanu (water serpent).  They are both painted with a red clay slip and accented with white and gray.  The design of the boar is unusual in Santa Clara designs from this period.  The plate is signed on the back in the clay, “Serafina Santa Clara Pueblo”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

Signed, “Serafina”: The Signed Pottery of SaraFina Tafoya

To learn more about the SaraFina’s signatures, check out the new article by Charles S. King, “Signed SaraFina”.