Trammel, Jennie – Red and Tan Canteen with Bear Paw and Avanyu (1980’s)

This is a very unusual canteen by Jennie Trammel.  Over the years we have had several of her canteens which were made in this same style with the flat base and designs on both sides.  This canteen has a carved bear paw on one side.  The unusual part of this canteen is the opposite side, which has carved avanyu with a center medallion in tan.  The carving around the avanyu is very deep, as are the bands around the bear paw.  I looked back and in over 20 years, I’ve never had a piece by her with tan polished designs.  The red is a clay slip while the tan is achieved by using water to create the coloration of the clay.   The carving is very deep and the piece is a very deep red.  The background area is matte and the traditional cream colored clay slip. The canteen is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed, “Jennie Trammel” in the clay on bottom.   Definitely one of her classics!

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Trammel, Jennie (1929-2010)

Jennie Trammel was the third child of noted potter Margaret Tafoya. She learned to make pottery from her mother and also from her grandmother, Sara Fina Tafoya. Over the years she did not make a lot of pottery as she lived a very private life and was virtually never involved in markets or gallery shows. However, she created stunning pottery with classic shapes and designs which were distinctive to her work. Each piece was coil built and it was the carving, with the rounded edges, which was a visual key to her work. Jennie's work can be found in books such as "Born of Fire" and also in museums around the country. As she made such a small amount during her career it is always difficult to find her work.