Roberta Silas was a daughter of Pauline Youvella (Laguna Pueblo) and Roy Youvella (Hopi).  She began making pottery in 1965. She is the mother of potters Antoinette Silas, Verona Silas, And Jofern Puffer. Roberta learned to make pottery from Helen Naha (Feather Woman). Each piece is coil built, painted with native clays, and traditionally fired.