Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0208   CAS 0370-0208; Effigy bowl (bird)
Category Pottery
Object Name Effigy bowl (bird)
Culture Santa Clara Pueblo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. New Mexico
County Rio Arriba
Other Geographic Data Santa Clara Pueblo
Maker's Name Margaret Tafoya (1904-2001)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1930-1945
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Clay; Natural pigments
Description Effigy bowl in form of a bird; Base is flat and sides flare out and are shaped to contours of two broad wings and an extended, squared off tail; Bird's head rises well above rim and has a pointed beak; Interior and exterior surfaces are scraped smooth and well burnished, except for the base; Bird's eyes are incised (1 is larger than the other); Geometric designs are painted in dark gray around interior sides of bowl and on interior side of wings and tail; Signature "Margaret Tafoya" is lightly incised in script on base. Margaret Tafoya is considered by many to be the matriarch of Santa Clara potters, having many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who have continued her legacy. She was the grandmother of Linda Tafoya-Oyenque, the sister of Christina Naranjo, and the aunt of Mary Cain, Teresita Naranjo, and Mida Tafoya, all of whose works are represented in the CAS pottery collection.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 6.8, Width = 12.5, Length = 17.6