Anna Archuleta

Anna Archuleta is a skilled and traditional potter from Santa Clara Pueblo, born in 1953. She has been creating pottery since 1988, following the artistic path taught to her by her mother, Belen Tapia, alongside her sister, Anita Suazo.

Anna specializes in crafting stone-polished redware pottery, including carved bowls, jars, and plates, which often feature designs such as bear claws, feathers, lightning, and the avanyu (the mythical Tewa Water Serpent). She sources her clay from the Santa Clara Pueblo area and uses only natural slips, along with the traditional polishing stones passed down from her mother.

Anna’s husband, Fidel, is an integral part of her pottery process. While Anna handles the hand-coiling and polishing of the pieces, Fidel contributes by doing the intricate carving and overseeing the outdoor firing of their pottery. Together, they create beautifully crafted works that reflect their deep connection to Santa Clara Pueblo traditions.