Santa Clara Olla, c. 1890's
This Santa Clara water jar (olla) measures 11" x 12", native clay, very good ethnographic condition, c. 1890's, artist unknown.
This jar is "in the style of Sarafina Tafoya", mother of Margaret Tafoya. The distinctive features in common are the bulbous bottom, the narrowing neck, flared lip with "rain-drop" indentations and the "rainbow band" around the shoulder of the jar. These, along with the graceful formation of the jar, put it solidly in the style of water jar known to be made by Sarafina Tafoya. Many experts consider this shape to be the most beautiful of all the archetypal Pueblo pottery types.
These jars were not part of the tourist trade until the 1930's, they were for use in the home. There are repairs on the lip of this jar but considering the use and wear it was exposed to, these do not diminish the enjoyment of the piece. They can be seen of badges of authenticity that a 19th century Pueblo family used it for daily storage functions while fully appreciating it's graceful beauty.
This jar is "in the style of Sarafina Tafoya", mother of Margaret Tafoya. The distinctive features in common are the bulbous bottom, the narrowing neck, flared lip with "rain-drop" indentations and the "rainbow band" around the shoulder of the jar. These, along with the graceful formation of the jar, put it solidly in the style of water jar known to be made by Sarafina Tafoya. Many experts consider this shape to be the most beautiful of all the archetypal Pueblo pottery types.
These jars were not part of the tourist trade until the 1930's, they were for use in the home. There are repairs on the lip of this jar but considering the use and wear it was exposed to, these do not diminish the enjoyment of the piece. They can be seen of badges of authenticity that a 19th century Pueblo family used it for daily storage functions while fully appreciating it's graceful beauty.
