Tafoya, Stephanie – “Woven Feathers” Large Oval Bowl with 160 Carved Feathers

Stephanie Tafoya is a 30-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 is the largest piece she has made to date.  It is oval in shape and carved with five rows of feathers.  Stephanie said she had seen oval-shaped Pomo baskets covered in feathers and was inspired by the precision and beauty of these historic pieces.  On this bowl, there are a total of 160 carved feathers on the bowl!  Note now the rim curved downward and the feathers change in shape and size as they extend towards the base.  They are both polished and incised, both techniques are equally time-consuming!  The symmetry and precision of her carving it exceptional. The bowl was traditionally fired to a deep black.  The idea for the parrot feathers was inspired by her pet parrot Beto (see last photo).  The contrast of the polished and matte/incises feathers is striking on the shape of this piece and draws the eye across the surface. Her name in Tewa is “Khung Be”, which means Holly Berry. This is a hallmark she also puts on her pottery.