Juan Tafoya, San Ildefonso Pueblo Potter

Juan Tafoya was a well-known San Ildefonso Pueblo potter who has been active since 1970.  He passed away prematurely at age 57 years.  Early on in his career, Juan began experimenting with firing techniques to achieve a brown/black combination and experimented with using turquoise as a decorative element.  He specialized in sgraffito designs where he would chip away at the polished slip to form a textured background.

According to a letter previously provided by him, Juan B. Tafoya he was a life-long resident of San Ildefonso Pueblo and was involved in pottery making since he was first able to gather the materials that go into making pottery. He was taught the art of pottery making by his mother, Donicia Tafoya.  

Relative Links: San Ildefonso Pueblo, pottery making

** If you discover credit omissions or have additional information to add, please let us know at Marketing@adobegallery.com.