Mary Ester Archuleta

Santa Clara Pueblo

Born in 1942, Mary Ester Archuleta is a daughter of Margaret Tafoya and sister to Mela Youngblood, Toni Roller, LuAnn Tafoya and Shirley Tafoya. She grew up with her hands in the clay.

Mary married and moved to San Juan Pueblo in the 1960s. She served a pivotal role in the revival of San Juan incised pottery in the 1970s. Mary was never a prolific potter but she did earn numerous awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market.


Geometric design carved in a red jar
Red jar carved with geometric design
Won 1st Place, Traditional Pottery at 1977 Santa Fe Indian Market 5.25 in H by 8.5 in Dia
Kiva step and geometric design carved into a red jar with brown cloud accents
Red jar carved with kiva step and geometric design plus brown cloud accents
5 in H by 8.25 in Dia
Sgraffito corn figure on a carved black melon jar
Black carved melon jar decorated with a sgraffito corn figure
4.75 in H by 6 in Dia
An avanyu and geometric design carved into a red jar Red jar carved with an avanyu and geometric design
7 in H by 8.5 in Dia

Santa Clara Pueblo Potters