Elizabeth Medina, Zia Pueblo Potter

Elizabeth Medina, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Toya, could possibly be listed as a potter from Jemez Pueblo because that is where she was born and raised. When she married Marcellus Medina (b.1954) of Zia Pueblo in 1978, she moved to Zia and received permission from Zia Elders to make pottery in the Zia style. Thus, when she moved to her husband's pueblo she abandoned her previous style of Jemez pottery for the style of her new residence. Her new mother-in-law, Sofia Medina, is credited with teaching her the proper processes of making Zia pottery. Because Elizabeth Medina (b,1956) has been at Zia Pueblo and has made pottery in the Zia style most of her adult life, she is referenced as a Zia potter and most properly so.

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

TAGS: Jemez Pueblo, Sofia Medina, Zia Pueblo, Marcellius Medina, Southwest Indian Pottery