Large Zia Polychrome Olla with Trios Design [R]

This is a Zia Polychrome classification jar with what has been defined as a Trios Polychrome design style. It dates to the 1880s decade and is in excellent condition. The calcified deposit on the jar is a result of having used the jar as a water container for decades. That is the reason, of course, that these jars were made. Evaporation through the jar walls results in the calcium deposits on the surface.

The design elements of this design style have been identified and named by Harlow and Lanmon. There are elements described as seedpods, capped spirals, nestled feathers, and trefoils. This carryover design from the Trios period was improved upon during the Polychrome period. The elements were more carefully applied and the layout more beautifully positioned.

According to Harlow, “the volute motif is much neater and more elaborate in the Zia Polychrome. Second, the underbody is straighter with an angular in-curve at the base. Third, the shoulder—the area of greatest diameter—is above the mid-way point, and finally the underbody area below the red band is better polished than the Trios pottery. Overall, Zia Polychrome jars are more pleasing and precise in their execution than those of the earlier period.”

When collectors speak of “museum quality” pieces, they often have in mind pieces of pure perfection, with no blemishes or problems. Museum quality pieces run the gamut from that type to pieces that are no more than just fragments. What is important to museums is representation of typology. This Zia Polychrome jar is a perfect example of a museum quality Zia Polychrome jar. It is traditional in concept, is typical of the typology, shows evidence of use at the pueblo, and is still in excellent condition. What better choice could be made?