David Baca

Santa Clara

David Baca, born in 1951, is a traditional potter from Santa Clara Pueblo. He is the son of Antonio and Angela Baca, grandson of Severa and Cleto Tafoya. Like his sisters Annie and Leona, he grew up learning to make traditional Santa Clara pottery from his mother and grandmother. David specializes in making ribbed melon bowls and jars. His pieces often have elongated necks.

He has received many notable awards for his work, including accolades from Santa Fe Indian Market, the New Mexico State Fair, and the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts and Crafts Fair. David signs most of his pieces: “David Yellow Mountain Baca Santa Clara” with a mountain hallmark (“Yellow Mountain” is the translation of his Tewa name).