Mary Ellen Toya Explained
Mary Ellen Toya (1934–1990) was a Jemez Pueblo potter of the Water Clan. She was active ca. 1950–1990, and was known for creating some of the largest Storyteller figures.[1]
Family
Mary Toya was married to Casimiro Toya, Sr. Their children are Melinda Toya Fragua, Mary Ellen Toya (M. Ellen Toya), Judy Toya, Marie Roberta Toya, Yolanda Toya, Casimiro Toya, Jr., Etta Toya Gachupin, and Anita Toya. She passed the pottery-making tradition onto her daughters.
Work
Toya worked with matte polychrome, red and black-on-tan Storytellers, jars, bowls, plates, and wedding vases. Her favorite designs were kiva steps, terrace clouds, and cloud tracers.
Exhibits
- Toya, Mary E. and Toya, Anita. Traditional pit-fired Storytellers. April 1994. Bryans Gallery, Taos, New Mexico[2]
Collections
- Toya, Mary E. Storyteller figure. Ceramic. Spurlock Museum of World Cultures, Urbana, Illinois[3]
See also
Further reading
- Book: Allan., Hayes. Southwestern pottery : Anasazi to Zuni. Blom, John.. 978-0873586634. Flagstaff, AZ. 34515540. 1996.
- Book: The Pueblo storyteller : development of a figurative ceramic tradition. Babcock, Barbara A.. 1986. University of Arizona Press. Monthan, Guy., Monthan, Doris (Doris Born), 1924-2012.. 978-0816508709. Tucson. 13270584.
- Book: Lillian., Peaster. Pueblo pottery families : Acoma, Cochiti, Hopi, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia, Zuni. 1997. Schiffer Pub. 978-0764302336. Atglen, PA. 36301470.
- Book: Pueblo and Navajo contemporary pottery and directory of artists. Berger, Guy. 2004. Schiffer. Schiffer, Nancy.. 978-0764318962. 2nd., rev. and enl. Atglen, PA. 57013886.
Notes and References
- Book: Southern Pueblo pottery : 2000 artist biographies, c. 1800-present : with value/price guide featuring over 20 years of auction records. Schaaf, Gregory. 2002. CIAC Press. Schaaf, Angie Yan.. 978-0966694857. 1st. Santa Fe, N.M.. 48624322.
- April 1994. Galleries: Southwest - New Mexico. Southwest Art. 23. 11 . 127. Art and Architecture Archive.
- Web site: Spurlock Museum of World Cultures.
