Zia Pueblo Set of Four Pottery Buttons [SOLD]

After the influenza epidemic that swept the area in the early 20th century, there were less than 200 people living at Zia Pueblo. Since the late 1800s, Zia women had been exchanging pottery with the nearby traders for food and other goods or money.  This ability of Zia women to make fine pots for trade made it possible for the pueblo to survive the hard times.

By the beginning of the 20th century, Zia potters had joined their Navajo and Pueblo neighbors in producing items to sell to tourists. These items were generally smaller and were easy for the tourists to carry home.  There were the usual table items—cups, saucers, candle holders, salt and pepper dispensers and related items.  But, the Zia potters were very creative and developed the idea of making buttons.  There is some thought that this idea developed because there was a metal shortage due to World War II and Zia potters used this as an opportunity to make ceramic buttons. These buttons were made of traditional Zia clay and decorated with Zia designs.

We are fortunate to feature a collection of four of these buttons. They are truly a perfect example of the ability of the Southwestern Indian to adapt to changing markets and materials.

Each of the buttons is fitted with two sewing holes. Very early Zia buttons had four holes, but later ones had only two. Each button has been coated with shellac. This was done to protect the design over years of use.

Condition: the Zia Pueblo Set of Four Pottery Buttons is in very good condition with the exception of a chip on the edge of one button.

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

Provenance:  from a private collection