11 Facts About Awa Tsireh

Awa Tsireh, known as Alfonso Roybal and Cattail Bird, was a San Ildefonso Pueblo painter and artist in several genres including metalwork.

Awa Tsireh was part of the art movement known as the San Ildefonso Self-Taught Group.

Awa Tsireh's work is held by several museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Awa Tsireh's parents were Alfonsita Martinez, a potter, and Juan Estaba Roybal, the nephew of potter Cresencio Martinez.

Awa Tsireh's siblings included the artists Josefa Roybal, Santana Roybal Martinez, and Ralph Roybal.

Awa Tsireh was one of the earliest of the San Ildefonso painters.

Awa Tsireh was among the students of Elizabeth Willis DeHuff, who instructed students in painting from her own home.

In 1917, American artist William Penhallow Henderson painted a portrait of young Awa Tsireh, which is held by the New Mexico Museum of Art.

In 1920, Awa Tsireh married a young woman from his village.

Awa Tsireh had the support of Dr Edgar Lee Hewett, who provided studio space for him in the Palace of the Governors.

Awa Tsireh's art is in the permanent collection of several museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.