This bowl by Linda Tafoya-Sanchez is inspired in form by the classic “gourd bowls” made by her grandmother, Margaet Tafoya. The bowl has a fluted rim and there are indented sections around the neck which represent the gourds used to smooth out the inside of the bowl when they are being made.  Here, Linda has modified the jar so that each of the sections is a turtle!  There are seven turtles around the neck of the piece.  Below the shoulder there are an additional seven. Each of the turtles is highly polished. They are in contrast to the remainder of the bowl which is fully incised with San Juan style designs and slipped with mica.  The linear designs create an almost “puzzle” like appearance surrounding the polished turtles.  As well, the texture of the mica and the smooth surface of the turtles gives the bowl a wonderful feel when being held!  The angle of the turtles and their indention in the clay adds another layer of how the light reflects on this piece.  One final aspect of this bowl is when you look inside and there is ANOTHER carved and polished turtle!  It is also surrounded by mica and it is a wonderful surprise.  Linda began using the mica years ago when she was given some by a relative at San Juan.   The bowl is signed on the bottom, “Linda Tafoya-Sanchez”.