Shirley Tafoya was the youngest daughter of Margaret Tafoya and known for her miniature pottery.  This is a larger bowl but amazing at how deeply it is carved!  The top and bottom band are a matte, while the carved area is an avanyu which is polished.  Note how deep the carving is on this bowl!  Shirley etched the eye and the mouth of the avanyu.  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.” A classic of Tafoya Family pottery!