Shirley Tafoya was the youngest daughter of Margaret Tafoya and was known for her miniature pottery.  This piece is a classic long neck water jar, much in the style of her mother, Margaret.  The jar is VERY deeply carved around the shoulder with a water serpent (avanyu). There are two small clouds etched on top of the shoulder above the avanyu. The piece is highly polished and fired a glassy black.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Shirley Cactus Blossom Tafoya”.  Simple but a classic of Tafoya Family pottery!