Tapia, Mae – Black and Sienna Bowl with Quail, Turtle, and Lizard (1990s)

Mae Tapia was known for her intricately etched miniature pottery. She was a daughter of potters Joe and Santanita Suazo.  Her sisters include Martha Suazo (the wife of Art Cody Haungooah), Margie Naranjo, Candelaria Suazo, and Shirley Duran.  This is a larger piece of her pottery.  It is fully polished and etched with a Mimbres lizard, a Mimbres turtle, and a realistic quail.  Each medallion is surrounded by a row of feathers.  The medallions have been “two-toned” after the firing to make the feathers sienna.  The remainder of the bowl is a grayish-black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom, “Mae Tapia”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.