About the Artist

(Born circa 1915-1977) A Native American potter from San Juan Pueblo in New Mexico, Leonidas made traditional San Juan polychrome redware bowls, jars and wedding vases. She also made micaceous pottery. Some of the designs she used on her pottery include the water serpent, kiva steps and clouds. She participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market from 1970-1976.

Tapia is discussed in John Barry's work titled American Indian Pottery (1984), Stephen Trimble's Talking with the Clay The Art of Pueblo Pottery (1987) as well as Gregory Schaaf's book on Pueblo Indian Pottery 750 Artist Biographies (2000).