Cresencia Tafoya

Santa Clara Pueblo

Cresencia Tafoya (1918-1999) was a potter from Santa Clara Pueblo. She was the mother of Harriet Tafoya, Annie Baca, Pauline Martinez, Arthur Tafoya, Carmen Michel and Mark Tafoya.

Cresencia 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 almost until the day she died.

Cresencia was known for her black-on-black jars and wedding vases, her black sgraffito seed pots and her painted polychrome redware.


An avanyu and geometric design on a red wedding vase
Red wedding vase decorated with an avanyu and geometric design
4 3/4 in H by 4 1/4 in Dia

Santa Clara Pueblo Potters