Taos Pueblo Pottery By Marina M. Romero

Late 20th Century

3.75" H x 3.75" D

Hand Coiled from Local Micaceous Clay

Excellent Condition

Marina M. Romero is from Taos Pueblo and was one of the ten children of Virginia T. Romero (1898–1998), a highly celebrated Taos Pueblo potter known as the "Matriarch of Taos potters." Virginia began making pottery in 1919 and continued until age 100, playing a key role in reviving and preserving the micaceous tradition when it was nearly extinct. Her works are held in major collections, and she was honored with a New Mexico historic marker.

Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, is renowned for its distinctive micaceous pottery. This traditional style uses local clay naturally rich in mica flakes, giving the finished pieces a characteristic sparkle and metallic sheen. Unlike many other Pueblo pottery traditions, Taos micaceous ware requires no added temper, and it's prized for both its beauty and utility—historically used for cooking (especially bean pots) as it can withstand direct flame and retains heat well. Pieces are hand-coiled, smoothed, and fired outdoors, often resulting in subtle "fire clouds" from the open firing process.