Shirley “Cactus Blossom” Tafoya was famous for her miniature pottery.  Each piece is coil built, stone polished, and traditionally fired.  This is one of her few plates.  It is fully polished in the front and back.  There is a bear paw impressed into the center of the plate and it is also fully polished.  The plate was fired red.  Shirley was so wonderfully talented and her miniatures were among the most refined for their size and appearance.  This piece is signed, “Shirley Cactus Blossom Tafoya”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.