Awa Tsireh (February 1, 1898 – March 30, 1955),[2] also known as Alfonso Roybal[3] and Cattail Bird, was a San Ildefonso Pueblo painter and artist in several genres including metalwork.
His formal education ended at grade school but he drew from his culture and informal training.
[9][10] In 1917, American artist William Penhallow Henderson painted a portrait of young Awa Tsireh, which is now held by the New Mexico Museum of Art.
[7] Awa Tsireh had the support of Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett, who provided studio space for him in the Palace of the Governors.
[7] His sister, Santana Martinez, recalled that "during the summer during the thirties and forties he used to go to a shop in Colorado Springs and do paintings and silverwork there.