Tafoya, Stephanie – “Avanyu” Bowl

4.75"w x 2.5"h

$ 400.00

Stephanie Tafoya is a 28-year-old great-granddaughter of Margaret Tafoya, a granddaughter of Lee Tafoya and the daughter of Mel Tafoya. She has learned to make pottery from her aunt, Linda Tafoya-Sanchez.  Each piece is coil built, carved, stone polished and traditionally fired.  This bowl is polished on the top and bottom.  It is fully carved around the center with an avanyu or water serpent. Take a closer look at the avanyu as it is not only deeply carved into the clay but also rounded out on the edges!  The avanyu is also slipped with a mica clay.  It is a striking contrast to the polished rim and base.  It was traditionally a deep black.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Stephanie Tafoya”.  Her name in Tewa is “Khung Be”, which means Holly Berry. This is a hallmark she also puts on her pottery.