Camilio Sunflower Tafoya, Santa Clara Pueblo Artist

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Camilio Sunflower Tafoya made traditional black carved pottery in the mid-twentieth century. After his son, Joseph Lonewolf, started the intricate sgraffito carving, Camilio picked it up too. Camilio also made tall pottery jars. Initially, he and his daughter Grace Medicine Flower worked together and co-signed pieces. Later, he worked alone.

Camilio Sunflower Tafoya (1902-1995), Santa Clara Pueblo, was the son of Sara Fina and Geronimo Tafoya, and brother to Margaret Tafoya. He started making pottery in the mid-1920s and for years specialized in large carved blackware.

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Sara Fina Tafoya, Margaret Tafoya, Joseph Lonewolf, Grace Medicine Flower