Belen Tapia

Belen Tapia was a niece of Sara Fina Tafoya and a sister of Ramoncita Sisneros and the mother of Anita Suazo, Frank Tapia, and Anna Archuleta. She began making pottery in the 1930's during the early years of Santa Clara polychrome pottery. However, by the 1950's she was making primarily carved pottery with unique designs and forms. By the 1980's she was again making polychrome pottery, bringing her artistry full circle. Both of these pieces are from the 1980's. They are each highly polished with a red surface and then painted with various clay slips. The colors; peach, blue, ochre, and white are all natural clay slips.