Barbara and Joseph Cerno

Barbara Cerno (born 1951, of Hopi and Acoma heritage) and Joseph Cerno Sr. (born 1947, Acoma) are a celebrated husband-and-wife pottery-making team with a collaborative career spanning well over fifty years. Meeting in their youth, they learned the foundational techniques of traditional ceramics from Joseph’s mother, Santana Cimmeron Cerno, and quickly developed a deep reverence for the historic designs of their ancestors.

Their journey to success began with a 1st Prize ribbon at the Gallup InterTribal Ceremonials in 1971, and this marked the beginning of a long and award-winning career. The Cernos are globally recognized as masters of Acoma polychrome pottery, particularly famous for their large, impeccably formed ollas and open bowls adorned with complex geometric, floral, and parrot motifs. They remain steadfastly committed to the “old ways,” utilizing only natural, hand-gathered clays, mineral slips, and vegetal paints, and finishing their pieces with traditional outdoor firings. Their masterful work has been featured at the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum, and in distinguished private and museum collections worldwide.