Zia Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Creative Design [SOLD]

Rachel Medina claims dual relationship to Zia, her native pueblo, and Santa Ana Pueblo, where she has lived.  She is a daughter of Sofia and Rafael Medina, granddaughter of Juanita Toribio Pino, and great-granddaughter of Rosalea Medina Toribio.  Her brother is Marcellus Medina. 

Rachel’s mother, Sofia, taught her the techniques of Zia pottery and Eudora Montoya of Santa Ana taught her the techniques of Santa Ana pottery.  In addition to making pottery of the styles of both pueblos, Rachel acquired a Nursing degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. 

Rachel makes pottery in the styles of both pueblos.  In this Zia jar, she has created a unique design not generally related to either pueblo, but one from her creative artistic talent.  Interestingly, she signed her name and Santa Ana Pueblo to this jar, although it is definitely Zia clay and construction techniques and with some elements of traditional Zia designs.  Perhaps she was living at Santa Ana at the time she made this one.

Condition:  excellent original condition

Provenance: from a family of pueblo pottery collectors from Texas

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