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Camilio Tafoya, Santa Clara Blackware Jar c. 1960

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Camilio Tafoya, Santa Clara Blackware Jar c. 1960
This is an original Camilio Tafoya (1902-1995) blackware black-on-black pottery jar purchased at the Cameron Trading Post in 1960-1961 by Owen D. Mort, Jr. Camilio “Sunflower” Tafoya (1902-1995) was the youngest son of noted potter Sara Fina Tafoya and Geronimo Tafoya, brother to noted potter Margaret Tafoya and Christina Naranjo. Two of Camilio’s children, Grace Medicine Flower and Joseph Lonewolf became renowned potters, know for their wonderful scraffito Native designs. Camilio was married to Agapita Tafoya and made carved pottery in the 1950’s and 1960’s, partnering with his many noted famous potter family members on pieces. Camilio Tafoya’s works are in multiple museum collections worldwide and next to his sister Margaret Tafoya is one of the most collected blackware potters of the 20th century. This large example is signed on the bottom Camilio Tafoya Santa Clara Pueblo, the signature has been confirmed. It also has a handwritten collection note from Owen D. Mort, Jr., “Santa Clara Pueblo Purchased @ Cameron Trading Post in 1960-1962 for $65.00 (signed) O.D. Mort. Jr.”. Brothers Hubert and C.D. Richardson established the Little Colorado Trading Post in 1916, which was later renamed the Cameron Trading Post. This large pottery piece, referred to as an olla / jar/ pot / bowl, shows fired clay in the iconic blackware or black-on-black finish with deep carved traditional designs in the Ananyu water serpent pattern. This piece has a nice luster, and is well kept with no major visible cracks. There are a few small blemishes, but overwise in good to very good condition. One of the larger Camilio Tafoya pieces. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and Snite Museum of Art, the University of Notre Dame, including of Afghani artifacts. Measures 9.5” diameter by 4.25”H.