Tapia, Leonidas

Leonidas Tapia (1914-1977) was a potter from Ohkay Owingeh, although when she was alive the pueblo was still named “San Juan.” Her husband was Jose Blas Tapia and they had two children who became potters: Mary Trujillo and Tom Tapia. She was also the youngest sister of Rose and Juanita Gonzales (who married and moved to San Ildefonso).

Leonidas primarily made Potsuwi’i-style bowls, jars, wedding vases and micaceous bowls. Her favorite designs to decorate with include the avanyu, kiva steps and rain clouds. She was active making pottery from the 1950s to about 1975.