Zia Pueblo Pottery Pictorial Tile by C. Toribio

Enduring Traditions: The Resilience of Zia Pueblo Pottery in the Face of Modernity

This square pottery tile, attributed to a potter named C. Toribio from Zia Pueblo, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the potter, despite the absence of such a name in published references. The tile's design features a Zia bird in motion at the center, rendered in brown pigment. The four corners of the tile are designed with stepped elements ending in triangles, known as "echelon feather clusters". [Harlow and Lanmon, 2003:39]

In the aftermath of World War II, the burgeoning tourist market led potters across New Mexico's pueblos to shift their focus towards crafting smaller items for sale. Despite the economic opportunities presented by the tourist market, the traditional uses of pottery within the pueblos endured. The Zia people, in homage to their heritage, have persistently continued to produce pottery for everyday household use and tribal functions. Traditional meals feature dishes and vessels of various forms, jars for storing water, and grains, dough bowls for bread-making, and ceremonial vessels, all crafted by the skilled hands of the potters.

The Toribio family, including Isabel Medina Toribio and Harviana Pino Toribio, are renowned Zia Pueblo potters. Their works, characterized by unique designs and motifs, are included in many major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, the School for Advanced Research, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. This tile, with its expertly painted design and the mystery surrounding its attributed potter, adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Zia Pueblo pottery. [Harlow & Lanmon,2003:26]

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zia Pueblo Pottery Pictorial Tile by C. Toribio is from the collection of a client from Washington

Recommended Reading: Hopi & Pueblo Tiles: An Illustrated History by Kim and Pat Messier

TAGS: Zia Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, Rosalia Medina Toribio; Southwest Indian Pottery, Harviana Pino Toribio; Isabel Medina Toribio