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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]

Mary Ellen Toya
Born	1934 (1934)
Died	1990 (aged 55–56)
Nationality	Jemez Pueblo / American
Known for	Ceramics
Spouse(s)	Casimiro Toya, Sr.

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.[1] 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.[1]

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

• List of Native American artists

References

Further reading

• Allan., Hayes (1996). Southwestern pottery : Anasazi to Zuni. Blom, John. Flagstaff, AZ. ISBN 978-0873586634. OCLC 34515540.
• Babcock, Barbara A. (1986). The Pueblo storyteller : development of a figurative ceramic tradition. Monthan, Guy., Monthan, Doris (Doris Born), 1924-2012. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. ISBN 978-0816508709. OCLC 13270584.
• Lillian., Peaster (1997). Pueblo pottery families : Acoma, Cochiti, Hopi, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia, Zuni. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Pub. ISBN 978-0764302336. OCLC 36301470.
• Berger, Guy (2004). Pueblo and Navajo contemporary pottery and directory of artists. Schiffer, Nancy. (2nd., rev. and enl ed.). Atglen, PA: Schiffer. ISBN 978-0764318962. OCLC 57013886.

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