Child Size Zia Pueblo Olla from Bertha Dutton Collection [SOLD]

This jar has collection data written in ink on the underside that identifies the maker of the jar and states that it dates to 1938 and belonged to Dr. Bertha Dutton.  In the course of a distinguished career, Dr. Dutton served for twenty five years (1936-61) as curator of ethnology at the University of New Mexico, and for ten years as Director of the Museum of Navajo Ceremonial Art (now the Wheelwright Museum). She published books and articles. She excavated a house ruin at Chaco Canyon with Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett and worked extensively at sites in the Galisteo Basin.

The potter is listed in The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Lanmon and Harlow as the daughter or possibly the granddaughter of Lucia Shije.  She married Celestino Galvan around 1906-1910.  Although they had no children of their own, they adopted Reyes Galvan, a niece who was born in 1915.  Much attention has been given to Reyes Galvan in the book as well so it is a pleasure to acquire a jar by her adopted mother.

A very similar jar by Rufina Shije Galvan dated circa 1938 is in the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe and was a gift from Amelia E. White in 1961. 

Condition:  The vessel is structurally in excellent condition with some minor abrasion of the painted areas.

Provenance: ex. coll. Dr. Bertha Dutton.