Mida Tafoya
American, born 1931Vase, 20th century
On view
Earthenware
Dimensions8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)
Bequest of Russell J. Cameron, 1997.22
The carved blackware vase by Mida Tafoya was created using the traditional style and techniques of her Santa Clara Pueblo family. The Santa Clara style of pottery began in the 1920s and is referred to as the "sgraffito technique," which involves carving images and designs into the surface of the clay.
The Tafoya family continues the traditional hand building methods of pottery making as well as the use of natural materials and outdoor firing. The Tafoya family believes these traditions were passed down by the spirits; they honor and respect the spirits from the past by making the pottery following the traditions of digging and mixing their own clay, building the pots from hand-made coils, burnishing by hand, and firing outdoors. Mida Tafoya is the daughter of Christina Naranjo (1891-1980), the niece of Margaret Tafoya (1904-2001), and the granddaughter of Serafina Tafoya (c. 1863-1949).
