Zia Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Capped Spiral Design [SOLD]

An inscription on the base of this jar states “Gift from Rosallee May 1935.”  Since Rosalie’s name was misspelled, it was most likely written on behalf of Rosalie by another member of the family.  The jar was in the Shije family and perhaps was gifted to a member of that family from Rosalie Medina Toribio (ca.1858-1950) Dziyunai’.  Richard M. Howard, Santa Fe dealer and collector, purchased the jar from the Shije family. 

Although the jar was gifted in 1935, it was most likely made in the 1910-1920 period based on design criteria.  The wide red band under the design panel, the wide red band on the interior of the rim and the capped spiral deigns all point to a 1910 decade.  The vessel walls are extremely thin for Zia pottery and the construction is excellent.  The layout of the design was carefully planned to accommodate the capped spiral elements with three plant leaves on their interior, a design documented as early as the 1820s during the Trios Polychrome period.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of Richard M. Howard, former Santa Fe dealer and collector

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