Mary Cain (1915-2010) - Santa Clara Redware Bowl with Carved Avanyu Design c. 1970s, 3" x 6" (P90472-0911-004)
PRODUCT #
P90472-0911-004
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$945.00
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Description
Width
6.0Height
3.0Circa
1970s
DETAILS
This pottery is in near excellent condition. There are a few subtle scratches to the sides, and minor surface wear to the inside near the base. Signed "Mary Cain" on the bottom. Acquired from a private collection in Arizona. Avanyu is Tewa for "water serpent" and is the Tewa deity, the guardian of water. Avanyu is the "one who lives in the water below the earth, one who carries us through the water of change." It symbolizes the importance for water to life in the desert and is also associated with lightning in the serpent's tongue. The curves of the serpent's body represent flowing water. Avanyu is believed to have birthed the waterways and has the voice of thunder. The sacred Avanyu lives in streams and is feathered with a turquoise horn in the middle of its forehead. The horn moves, sending rain for crops. When the Avanyu creeps on the ground and snaps its tail, it causes thunder, and when its tongue strikes out of it mouth, it causes lightening. Seeing the Avanyu it will bring luck and good health, and it means there is water nearby or that it will rain soon. The San Ildefonso and Santa Clara pueblos of New Mexico commonly use the Avanyu design in their pottery.
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