Zia Pueblo Historic Pottery OLLA with Trios Design

Overall, Zia Pueblo Polychrome pottery jars are more pleasing and precise in their execution than those of the earlier period. This jar combines the best qualities of Zia Polychrome with the finest design of Trios Polychrome.

Typology designations of pueblo pottery have been assigned by noted authorities based on observed changes over decades. At Zia Pueblo, one of the earlier designations is Puname Polychrome (1700-1760) which was followed by the designation San Pablo Polychrome (1760-1820), then Trios Polychrome (1820-1860) and, finally, today's designation of Zia Polychrome (1860-present).

Although designations have been assigned to periods of production as shown above, it must be remembered that potters actively working at the time did not necessarily make changes simultaneously. A potter making pottery in 1855, during what has been designated as the Trios Polychrome period, might have continued her style until her death maybe in 1895. Technically, according to the authorities, she was in the Zia Polychrome period, although she, herself, was still making what she had learned to make in the Trios Polychrome designated period. The designation was not observed by potters, only by authorities studying pottery.

Several factors distinguish Zia Polychrome pottery from that of the Trios Polychrome period:

First, the volute motif is much neater and more elaborate in the Zia Polychrome wares.

Second, the underbody is straighter with an angular in-curve at the base.

Third, the shoulder—the area of greatest diameter—is above the mid-way point, and finally the underbody area below the red band is better polished than those of the Trios Polychrome period pottery.

The designs associated with the Trios Polychrome period are some of the most elegant and beautiful designs applied to pottery during the Zia Polychrome period. We are fortunate that some potters who were experienced with the Trios Polychrome design continued producing it into the later period.

Condition Report: this Zia Pueblo Historic Pottery OLLA with Trios Design is in excellent condition structurally, but there is some abrasion of the paint and some calcium deposit on the surface of the vessel from it having been used extensively as a water jar.

Reference: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Zia Pueblo, Historic Pottery