Santa Clara Black Pot Bear Paw Design
by Crescencia Tafoya (1918-1999), Santa Clara Pueblo
clay
1 5/8" high x 2 1/4" diameter
Cresencia Tafoya (1918-1999) was the matriarch of a family of potters including Harriet Tafoya, Annie Baca and Pauline Martinez. She was also a granddaughter of Pasquelita Tafoya, a daughter of Tomacita Tafoya and a niece of Celestina Naranjo.
Cresencia created a style of highly polished and tightly painted pottery which has been continued by her children. She was a participant at Santa Fe Indian Market from 1978 to 1989, earning numerous awards there. She was also a participant in the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show.