About the Artist

(1911-1984) Born on the Santa Clara Pueblo, Legoria Tafoya began pottery at a rather young age in an effort to supplement her family’s income. In 1930, she learned the art of pottery making from her grandmother.

Her initial works consisted of small, animal figurines depicting lions, bears, birds, turtles and other animals that are prevalent in Tewa mythology. These fetish-like ceramics proved to be very popular among the tourists who came to the Pueblo and their success inspired Legoria to exhibit her work.

At Tafoya's first Santa Fe Indian Market exhibit in 1940, she was awarded a blue ribbon for a plain polished bowl. From that time forward, she received many awards for her pottery making. Her work contributed greatly to the advancement of the art of pottery making at Santa Clara and her exquisite creations have been an inspiration to other potters of the Pueblo.