Santa Clara Pot by Betty Tafoya

Santa Clara Pot by Betty Tafoya

Dimensions:-

Height: 6"

Width: 7 3/4"

Opening: 10"

Tribe: Santa Clara 

Item #: 400034

Artist:

Betty Tafoya 

Betty Tafoya (1933-1988), was the wife of Lee Tafoya, a son of the Tafoya family legacy matriarch, Margaret Tafoya. Their children include Linda Tafoya, who is also a well-known potter. Lee taught Betty how to make pottery and they often collaborated on pottery throughout their career, however, she also made pieces on her own. Lee usually carved the pots, and Betty did the polishing. Their pottery became renowned for their beauty and gunmetal finishes. Betty’s pottery can be found in numerous books, including “Born of Fire”. 

Betty’s pottery often featured the traditional avanyu water serpent; as well as all of the traditional methods. 
 
Betty was one of the few anglo women making pottery in Santa Clara pueblo at that time. She taught Linda Tafoya, her daughter, pottery making. Linda is also a well-known potter who makes beautiful, deeply carved, and highly polished pots.