About the Artist

(1918-1999) Daughter of Tomasita Gutierrez Tafoya and Cruz Tafoya, Cresencia Tafoya was the matriarch of a family of potters including Harriet Tafoya, Annie Baca, Pauline Martinez and Mark Tafoya.

Her work was distinctive with a high polish and tightly painted black-on-black designs consisting of the avanyu, bear paw, kiva steps, clouds and feathers in a row.