Sara Fina Gutiérrez Tafoya (1863-1949)[1][2] (sometimes spelled Serefina Tafoya and Serafina Tafoya) was a Tewa matriarch potter from Kha'po Owingeh (in Tewa: [xɑ̀ʔp’òː ʔówîŋgè]), New Mexico.
Sara Fina Gutiérrez Tafoya | |
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Autumn Leaf | |
Died | 1949 New Mexico, US | (aged 85–86)
Nationality | Tewa, Santa Clara Pueblo, American |
Spouse(s) | José Geronimo Tafoya, "White Flower"[1] |
Parent |
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Tafoya is known for her minimally-adorned blackware and black-on-black ware, frequently marked with the imprint of a bear claw motif.[3] She has been referred to as "undoubtedly the outstanding Tewa potter of her time."[4] The Tafoya family lineage of Puebloan potters "goes as far back as records exist."[5] Tafoya's work consisted primarily of large-scale vessels that were marked with concave and convex impressions and carved designs.[6][7]
Tafoya married Geronimo Tafoya with whom she had eight children.[6] Many of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family became well-known potters including Margaret Tafoya, LuAnn Tafoya, Tammy Garcia, Nathan Youngblood and others.[4]
Her work is included in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago,[2] the Denver Art Museum,[8] the Mount Hoyoke College Art Museum,[9] the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,[10] among other private and public collections.