Toni Roller

Santa Clara Pueblo

Toni Roller

Toni Roller was born into Santa Clara Pueblo on May 29, 1935, daughter of Margaret Tafoya. She grew up working the clay beside her mother, learning how to make pottery the traditional way from a master traditional potter. She's passed that knowledge on to her sons Jeff Roller, Cliff Roller and Tim Roller.

Toni first appeared in the market around 1960. She says she made her first pot when she was about six but she was more interested in making clay marbles. In the pueblo way, though, she eventually got more into it.

In 1973 Toni started earning a long string of major awards from places like Santa Fe Indian Market, Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show, Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonials, Deer Dancer Pottery Show, New Mexico State Fair, Santa Monica Indian Ceremonial Show and others. She's also done demonstrations and exhibitions all over the country.