Tafoya, Lee & Betty -11″ Tall Storage Jar with Carved Cloud and Rain Designs (1970s)

This is the largest piece we have had by Lee and Betty Tafoya.  Lee was the only son of Margaret Tafoya to make pottery.  It is a stylized storage jar shape with a high shoulder and a short neck. The jar was made and carved by Lee and then polished by Betty.  The piece has a complicated design with swirling clouds, rain, and mountain patterns.  The entire piece is fully polished to a glassy shine and was traditionally fired to a dark black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Betty & Lee Tafoya”.  The jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

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Tafoya, Betty (1933-1988)

Betty Tafoya was the wife of Lee Tafoya, a son of noted potter Margaret Tafoya. Their children include Linda Tafoya, who is also a well-known potter. Lee taught Betty how to make pottery and they often collaborated on pottery throughout his career. These two bowls are signed by Betty alone. Betty's pottery can be found in numerous books, including "Born of Fire".

Tafoya, Lee (1926-1996)

Lee Tafoya was the only son of noted potter Margaret Tafoya to take up making pottery. After serving in WWII, he returned to Santa Clara and began making pottery with his wife, Betty. Their daughter, Linda Tafoya, is also a well-known potter. Lee's pottery can be found in museums throughout the Southwest and also in numerous books, including "Born of Fire".