Santa Clara Pueblo Black Carved Pottery By Betty Tafoya

Late 20th Century

2.875" H x 5.125" D

Hand Coiled Black Bowl with Carved Avanyu Water Serpent in a Band Around the Center

In Very Good Condition

Betty Tafoya (1933–1988) was a potter associated with Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico, known for traditional black carved (or black-on-black) pottery. She was not born into the Pueblo but married into the renowned Tafoya family. 

Betty Tafoya learned pottery-making from her husband, Lee Tafoya (a son of the legendary potter Margaret Tafoya, a key figure in Santa Clara blackware traditions). They frequently collaborated: Lee often handled forming and carving the vessels, while Betty specialized in polishing. Their work is prized for deep carving, high polish, and distinctive gunmetal finishes achieved through reduction firing (oxygen-reducing atmosphere). 

Betty also created pieces independently and taught their daughter, Linda Tafoya (now a well-known potter known for deep carving and high polish). As one of the few Anglo women actively making pottery in the Pueblo at the time, her work fits squarely within Santa Clara traditions.