Linda Tafoya-Oyenque

Linda Tafoya-Oyenque, also known as Linda Tafoya-Sanchez, a renowned Santa Clara Pueblo potter. Linda Tafoya-Sanchez, born in 1962, is a distinguished potter from Santa Clara Pueblo, known for her intricately carved blackware and redware pottery. She is the granddaughter of the legendary potter Margaret Tafoya and the daughter of Lee and Betty Tafoya, from whom she learned the art of Pueblo pottery starting at age 12. Her father taught her to form vessels and carve designs, while her mother guided her in sanding and polishing, and her father’s firing techniques helped her achieve the deep black, high-shine finish characteristic of her work.

During her first marriage to Dennis Oyenque of Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo), she lived at San Juan Pueblo and signed her pottery as Linda Tafoya-Oyenque, incorporating traditional San Juan imagery. After her divorce, she returned to Santa Clara Pueblo, remarried, and began signing her work as Linda Tafoya-Sanchez. Her pottery often features micaceous clay slips, polished and matte finishes, and designs such as avanyu (water serpent), feathers, hummingbirds, and geometric patterns.