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Sara Fina Gutierrez Tafoya

Kha'p'oo Owinge (Santa Clara Pueblo), 1863-1949

BiographyPotter, polished blackware Indian pottery-bearpaw design . Known for exceptionally large ollas in black and brick red. 1922, she developed the first carved blackware pottery in Santa Clara.

Margaret Tafoya said the correct spelling of her mother's name is Sara Fina, not Serafina or Sarafina, as usually seen in print. Sara Fina is now known to have been the outstanding potter of her time. Because she spoke no English and could not write (although she spoke Tewa and Spanish), her pottery vessels are unsigned except for those signed for her by her children.

From Santa Clara Pueblo, Sara Fina Tafoya (circa 1863-1950) Autumn Leaf made large utilitarian vessels and small pieces as well. Most were undecorated black or red pieces, and some had scalloped rims and impressed designs including bear paws and melon shapes.

Person TypeIndividual