Teresita Tafoya Naranjo

Teresita Tafoya Naranjo (1919–1999), whose Tewa name was Apple Blossom, was an absolute matriarch of traditional Santa Clara Pueblo pottery. Born into an extraordinary artistic lineage, she was the daughter of Christina Naranjo and the granddaughter of the famed Sara Fina Tafoya. Surrounded by master potters from birth, Teresita began working with clay as a young girl and quickly developed a reputation for her flawless technique.

While her aunt, Margaret Tafoya, became famous for massive, traditionally shaped vessels, Teresita carved out her own distinct legacy. She is widely credited with mastering and popularizing the deeply carved style of Santa Clara blackware and redware, bringing an unprecedented level of depth, precision, and sculptural quality to her work. Over her long and celebrated career, her pottery won countless top awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market and remains highly coveted by serious collectors and museums around the world.