Small Zia Pueblo Storage Jar signed by Potter [SOLD]

Trinidad Medina is one name that arises most often when collectors discuss Zia pottery. She was one of the greatest potters of that pueblo and was recognized as such during her lifetime. She was taken on cross-country tours to demonstrate her craft at many venues and she won prizes at Santa Fe Indian Market for her entries. Pottery made by her is cherished by collectors of historic pottery.

This is an excellent example of a small jar by one of the most famous potters from Zia Pueblo. It is traditional in every sense of the word in that it was coil formed from native clay with the addition of crushed basaltic lava for temper.

The flat base and underbody were stone-polished red slip.  There is no matte-finished wiped-on band below the design.  The design might be defined as a bird migration, as there are five Zia black birds all flying in the same direction around the mid-body of the vessel. The field on which the design is placed was slipped in a warm creamy clay.

This is an excellent jar with a visual appeal and a signature by Trinidad Medina rarely seen on such a small jar.  It is signed on the red underbody Trinidad M.

“Trinidad Medina was a diminutive person, standing just over 4 feet tall, according to grandchildren and others who knew her.  Nonetheless, she made some of the largest storage jars ever produced at Zia.  They are also considered to be some of the finest.  She received prizes and wide-spread recognition for her work, in part because the trader Wick Miller took her on tours around the United States between 1930 and 1946.  She demonstrated pottery making at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago in 1933. And possibly also at the San Francisco Golden Gate International Exhibition in 1939, where at least one of her large storage jars was shown.”  Harlow and Lanmon 2003

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from a private collection

Reference: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Francis H. Harlow and Dwight P. Lanmon, 2003