Mary E. Toya Biography

Mary was born into the Water Clan of Jemez Pueblo in 1934. She was married to Casimiro Toya Sr. Their children are Anita, Etta, Casimiro Jr., Yolanda, Marie, Mary Ellen, Melinda and Judy. Mary passed on pottery making to her daughters.

Mary was known for her matte polychrome, red and black on tan jars, bowls, wedding vases and plates. She was most known for her large storyteller figures of mothers with many, many children. Mary was active from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Jemez Polychrome Canteen c. 1960s by Mary Toya