Artist San Ildefonso
Tonita Roybal
The life and work of Tonita Roybal
At a glance
- Life dates
- 1892-1945
- Tribe / Pueblo
- San Ildefonso
- Known for
-
- Pottery
- Available now
- 2 pieces
- Previously sold
- 1 piece
Tonita Roybal (1892-1945) has been called, “One of the finest potters of the twentieth century.” She learned to make pottery from her mother, Dominguita Pino Martinez (1860-1948). Her brother, Cresencio Martinez (1879-1918), married Anna Montoya (Maria’s sister). She was also an aunt to Santana Roybal, who later married Adam Martinez (Maria’s son). Tonita was married twice. Her first husband was Alfredo Montoya (1890-1913), and then in 1916, she married Juan Cruz Roybal (1896-1990). Among her descendants are JD Roybal (painter) and Margaret Lou Roybal-Gutierrez (potter).