Tapia, Belen – Red Melon Bowl

8"w x 5.75"h

$ 1,250.00

Belen Tapia was a diverse potter creating everything from painted to carved pottery.  She was was a niece of Sara Fina Tafoya, a sister of Ramoncita Sisneros and the mother of Anita Suazo, Frank Tapia and Anna Archuleta. She began making pottery in the 1930’s during the early years of Santa Clara polychrome pottery. However, by the 1950’s she was making primarily carved pottery with unique designs and forms. By the 1980’s she was again making polychrome pottery, bringing her artistry full circle.  This bowl is one of her larger pieces and one of her few melon bowls.  Each of the ribs is pushed out and then sanded to create the shape.  The entire piece is fully polished and fired red. It is striking both in size and also the shine from the polished surface. The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Belen Tapia”.