Shirley Tafoya was known for her exceptional miniatures.  Each piece was coil built, stone polished and traditionally fired.  This is one of her classic canteen pieces.  It is very deeply carved on one side with a water serpent.  The other side has an impressed bear paw.  The entire piece is fully polished and fired a deep black.  After the firing, Shirley added the leather straps and wood stopper.  Shirley was so wonderfully talented and her miniatures were always inspired by traditional Santa Clara Pueblo shapes and forms.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Shirley Cactus Blossom Tafoya”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.