LuAnn Tafoya Pot Santa Clara Pueblo

 Santa Clara Pueblo Pot by LuAnn Tafoya 

Dimensions:-

Length: 6 3/4"

Width: 9"

Opening: 7 1/4"

Tribe: Santa Clara 

Item #: 400014

LuAnn Tafoya

LuAnn Tafoya was born into the famous Tafoya family of Santa Clara Pueblo in 1938. The daughter of Margaret Tafoya and granddaughter of Serafina Tafoya, LuAnn grew up learning to make pottery from master potters. She began producing pottery in her late teens. Like her famous mother and grandmother, LuAnn specializes in larger pieces of red, black, and brown, all highly polished and exquisitely carved. She is also a master of the outdoor firing process. 

She has made jars almost three feet tall, a feat not easily accomplished. For large jars, the clay mix needs more temper and volcanic sand from Santa Clara. Building a large pot takes more time as it sometimes requires that one coil be allowed to dry before the next one is added. LuAnn uses a screwdriver and small pieces of lard when she is carving. Polishing is a drawn-out process. 

Her son, Daryl Whitegeese has learned from his mother and continues in the family tradition. LuAnn Tafoya has won numerous awards for her pottery, including "Best of Pottery" and "Best of Show" at Santa Fe Indian Market. Her work can be found in the permanent collection of numerous museums around the country.