Adobe Gallery

When Linda Tafoya-Sanchez delivered this extraordinary jar to the gallery, she shared that she was inspired during the 2026 Santa Clara Feast Day activities to create a jar relating to the event. The design concept was inspired by the many dancers participating in the ceremony. The string of coral and turquoise beads represent the necklaces worn by the dancers. The carved designs represent the region in relation to the mountains, steps of the kivas, and the plea for rain. This jar is a testament to her technical mastery and creative innovation.

The design of the Avanyu is clean and elegant, devoid of extraneous embellishments. He wraps around the shoulder with his head overlapping the tail. The entire design band was treated with a micaceous clay slip that provides a beautiful sparkle. A large tear-drop blue turquoise gemstone serves as the eye of the Avanyu. Around the rim, Dora provided a burnished sienna finish through use of an auxiliary firing technique.

Russell created a jar with a rounded lower section and a tall and graceful neck. The jar was created from the natural beige clay over which was applied a red slip, both colors beautifully highly burnished. To frame the red slip, there are two bands of micaceous gray which themselves are framed in an upper and lower string of heishi. An elk is the center item of design. It was created by pecking away the red slip, leaving the elk in matte finish. A gorgeous Lone Mountain turquoise gemstone rests on the elk's body. The elk design has spiritual significance for the artist. The four strands of heishi were created by the Calabazas of Kewa Pueblo, makers of the finest heishi. The jar is signed with the name of the artist.

This polished black and sienna jar, created in 1982, has an intricate spider web on the domed top. Near the edge of the web, the potter inscribed small designs which are highlighted by the sienna color. There are adobe buildings, clouds, kiva steps and several incised small arrowheads inset within the web. The center of the dome features a large spider with coral for the head and turquoise for the body.

This exceptional jar by acclaimed San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Russell Sanchez exemplifies his masterful blend of traditional form with innovative surface treatments. Hand-coiled and with high-polished red clay, the jar features a tall, elegant neck that tapers into a perfectly curled lip — flawlessly balanced and refined in form.