Reycita Naranjo (1926-2003) - Santa Clara Black Jar with Carved Avanyu Design c. 1960-70s, 4" x 5.5" (P3024)

Black burnished jar with carved Avanyu and beautiful polished interior. This pottery is in very good condition, with very minor surface wear. 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 its mouth, it causes lightning. Seeing the Avanyu will bring luck and good health. The San Ildefonso and Santa Clara pueblos of New Mexico commonly use the Avanyu design in their pottery. Acquired from a private collection in Texas.