Belen Tapia was a diverse potter creating everything from painted to carved pottery.  This long neck jar reflects the creative style of her carving.  The neck is carved with a series of interlocking mountain designs.  Below, around the shoulder, are swirling waves of a river. There is the use of the negative space on the waves and the neck are striking.  This makes her work both distinctive and unique, as most potters of the time carved in a single band around the body of the vessel.  The piece is fully polished and traditionally fired a deep black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Belen Tapia”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.