Historic Zia Pueblo Storage Jar by Harviana Toribio

Harviana Pino Toribio's Masterpiece: A Timeless Zia Pueblo Storage Jar

This exquisite storage jar, meticulously crafted by the talented artist Harviana Pino Toribio from Zia Pueblo, stands as a testament to both her skill and the rich artistic heritage of her community. Let us delve into the details that make this piece truly exceptional:

1. Historical Context and Estimation of Age:
   • The invaluable insights provided by Francis H. Harlow and Dwight P. Lanmon's book, The Pottery of Zia Pueblo, allow us to trace the origins of this jar. Fortunately, the book features a collection of dated photographs showcasing the artist and her works.
   • Among these visual records, a photograph from approximately 1935 captures Harviana Pino Toribio surrounded by several pottery pieces adorned with similar designs—graceful birds, intricate floral motifs, and vertical bands. These elements define a distinct aesthetic.
   • Subsequent photographs, dated 1938 and 1943, reveal a departure from the earlier style. The newer pieces exhibit wide rainbow arches and bolder design elements, signaling a shift toward a more modern sensibility.
   • Based on this evidence, we can confidently place the completion of this storage jar around or just before 1935.
2. Design and Composition:
   • Toribio's deft hand graced the exterior of this jar with two horizontal bands. A subtle dividing line separates these bands, gracefully encircling the jar's shoulder.
   • Within the horizontal bands, vertical strips of geometric patterns create three distinct sections. These bands serve as both aesthetic divisions and functional reinforcement.
   • The central or midbody—formed by the intersecting bands—features captivating motifs: birds and flowers rendered in bold black and red hues. These elements dance across the large rectangular areas of cream slip, their arrangement repeating harmoniously three times around the jar.
   • The design execution is nothing short of masterful, each stroke reflecting Toribio's deep connection to her cultural heritage.
3. Size and Symmetry:
   • Standing at an impressive eighteen inches in both height and diameter, this jar commands attention. Its sheer size defies convention, yet it maintains an elegant balance.
   • Large vessels often grapple with issues of symmetry, but this piece defies expectations. Its form is nearly flawless, a testament to Toribio's unwavering commitment to excellence.
   • The creation of such a sizable vessel, executed with impeccable quality, is a rare achievement. Harviana Pino Toribio's legacy lives on through this remarkable work of art.

In summary, this storage jar transcends time, bridging the past and the present. Its harmonious blend of tradition and innovation invites us to appreciate the enduring beauty of Zia Pueblo pottery.

Harviana Pino Toribio (1904-1949) Sr'audyuwi' was a Zia Pueblo potter who was active from ca. 1915 to 1948. Toribio made polychrome ollas, jars, bowls, tiles, miniature adobe houses, and other forms. Harviana (also spelled Sarviana or Faviana) Pino Toribio was the daughter of Tomas Pino and Martina Galvan Pino. She married Frank (San Francisco) Toribio, son of Mariano and Rosalia Medina Toribio, in 1925. They had two children, Felecita and Elsie Toribio. Toribio is featured prominently in Francis H. Harlow and Dwight P. Lanmon's The Pottery of Zia Pueblo, in a lengthy passage featuring multiple images and descriptions of the artist and her works. Toribio received a first prize at the 1940 Santa Fe Indian Market.

Condition: excellent condition, with some light wear from years of handling. Blacklight examination reveals no restoration or repair.

Provenance: this Historic Zia Pueblo Storage Jar by Harviana Toribio is from a private collection

Image Source:  Zia Pueblo Potter Harviana Pino Toribio. "Zia Pueblo Indian Pottery Maker." Photograph by Frasher, Pomona, California, ca. 1935, courtesy Palace of the Governors (NMHM/DCA) neg. no. 47954.

References:

- Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

- The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Francis H. Harlow and Dwight P. Lanmon