Margaret Tafoya

Santa Clara

“Margaret Tafoya (1904 – 2001) Maria Margarita Tafoya – Corn Blossom was one of the most famous and influential Pueblo Indian artists. Tafoya was born August 13, 1904 at Santa Clara Pueblo. She learned her skills from her parents, Sara Fina Gutierrez Tafoya and Jose Geronimo Tafoya, who were expert potters; some of her pieces are inspired by tales she heard from her parents and grandparents. Margaret and her mother were known for their ability to make unusually large storage jars and water jars. Tafoya believed the secret to her success was her polishing stones, which have been passed down through the generations. She taught her pottery making skills to many of her nine children, including Virginia Ebelacker, Mela Youngblood, Toni Roller, LuAnn Tafoya, and Mary Esther Archuleta. In 1985, Margaret Tafoya was one of three New Mexicans selected to receive the Governor’s Award, New Mexico’s highest artistic honor. This award is given for a major contribution to the arts of New Mexico. Tafoya passed away in 2001.”
(Al Anthony, Adobe Gallery)