Shirley Tafoya was the youngest daughter of Margaret Tafoya and was known for her miniature pottery.  This bowl was made around 2000-2002.  It has a wide shape and it is very deeply carved. The bowl has a cloud pattern around the neck and an avanyu around the body of the piece.  The entire surface is fully polished.  Shirley painted the eye and the mouth of the avanyu, much like Margaret would do on her pottery.  As the bowl is turned the body represents the clouds and waves of the water.  The water serpent is a classic Santa Clara design telling the story of how the avanyu saved the village from a flood.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Shirley Cactus Blossom Tafoya”.