Awa Tsireh, also known as Alfonso Roybal and Cattail Bird, was one of the first
Pueblo painters to receive recognition by the
Santa Fe,
New Mexico art community. Awa Tsireh was his Tewa Indian name, while Alfonso Roybal, was his family name.
Awa Tsireh had a profound influence on the work of many other artists, who were inspired by his wide range of subject matter, the delicacy of craftsmanship, color variations, and preservation of indigenous design elements. He primarily worked in watercolor and in transparent colored ink and pencil. His work in metal included silver, copper, nickel silver and aluminum and often included gemstones.
Today, his work is held by several museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
