Margaret Tafoya Pot

Q: I purchased a pot by the Indian artist, Margaret Tafoya, in 1991. It is 4 1/4 inches tall by 5 3/4 inches wide. At the time I was told the value was $7,200. Since then Margaret has passed away and I would like to know if the value of this piece has increased.

A: Margaret Tafoya (1904-2001) was born at Santa Clara Pueblo, near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her name in Tewa, the language of seven Southwestern pueblos, was Corn Blossom. Margaret learned to pot from her mother, Sara Fina Tafoya (1863-1949), and worked with her until she died. Margaret Tafoya’s work is often decorated with bearpaw designs, the symbol of good luck. She is also known for deeply carved designs with the recessed areas in matte finish, the rest highly polished clay surfaces. Indian arts are currently commanding very high prices. The New York Times reported a gift shop sale of a Tafoya pot in 2005 for $19,500.