Polychrome Pottery Jar by Sofia and Lois Medina of Zia Pueblo

Maternal Mastery: The Artistic Legacy of Sofia and Lois Medina in Zia Pueblo Pottery

This exquisite Zia Pueblo pottery jar is the result of the collaboration between a mother, Sofia Pino Medina, and her daughter, Lois Medina. Sofia's masterful work with the foundational clay is evident in the jar's shape, reminiscent of a functional pueblo water jar. The jar's widest point is strategically placed above its midpoint, and its rim gently curves upward, showcasing Sofia's impressive craftsmanship.

Lois Medina's artistic talent is equally remarkable, matching the quality of her mother's work in forming the pot. Her design features two rainbows arching over the main motif of a Zia bird on opposite sides of the jar. This classic Zia Pueblo bird, rendered in brown pigment, shares the space under the rainbow with intricate clouds and floral designs. The second design panels, nestled between the rainbow panels, showcase an elaborate cloud design replete with leaves, spirals, and rain, filling the area from rim to lower body. While these complex designs might appear excessive or busy on a smaller jar, they are perfectly balanced on this large piece, making it a fine example of contemporary Zia Pueblo pottery.

The jar bears the signatures of Sofia and Lois Medina, Zia, on its side, just below the lower framing line, attesting to their collaborative effort.

Sofia Pino Medina (1932 - 2010) became part of the Medina family through marriage in 1948. She and her husband, Rafael Medina (1929-1998), lived with his grandmother, Trinidad Medina, a highly skilled potter at Zia Pueblo. Under Trinidad's tutelage, Sofia honed her potting techniques, producing quality wares throughout her life using only natural materials, including pigments for painting. Lois Medina (1959 - 2003), the daughter of Sofia and Rafael Medina, continues the family tradition, contributing her artistic talent to the creation of this remarkable pottery piece.

Condition: excellent original condition

Provenance: this Polychrome Pottery Jar by Sofia and Lois Medina of Zia Pueblo is from the collection of a family from Albuquerque, New Mexico

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

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

TAGS: Trinidad Medina, Zia Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Lois Medina, Rafael Medina, Juanita Toribio Pino, Sofia Medina