Remarkable Zia 5-Color Storage Jar with 49 Birds by Elizabeth and Marcellus Medina

Potted by Elizabeth Medina and painted by her husband Marcellus, this jar stands as a crowning achievement in their long artistic collaboration. The birds depicted on the jar range from ancient designs, including one that Marcellus discovered on a pottery sherd during childhood walks to Zia Pueblo, to motifs favored by early 20th-century Zia potters from his family, as well as designs commonly found on old Zia canteens.

Birds and their behaviors hold diverse interpretations across cultures and belief systems. However, the common belief is that birds symbolize transformation and transcendence, acting as messengers from the spiritual realm. Each bird species reflects different aspects of the spirit world, carrying varied meanings. -Source Unknown

Elizabeth and Marcellus Medina, a husband-and-wife team, have been producing pottery at Zia Pueblo for decades. Marcellus, born in Zia Pueblo to renowned potters Sofia and Rafael Medina, inherited his family's artistic legacy. Elizabeth, originally from Jemez Pueblo, moved to Zia after marrying Marcellus in 1978. With permission from Zia elders, she began crafting pottery in the Zia style under the guidance of her mother-in-law, Sofia. Though Elizabeth (b. 1956) is originally from Jemez, she has been recognized as a Zia potter for most of her adult life. When working together, Elizabeth shapes the pots while Marcellus (b. 1954) paints the designs, using a combination of traditional mineral and vegetal paints, as well as modern acrylics.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Remarkable Zia 5-Color Storage Jar with 49 Birds by Elizabeth and Marcellus Medina is from the estate of a resident of Santa Fe

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

TAGS: Sofia Medina, Rafael Medina, Jemez Pueblo, Zia Pueblo, Marcellius Medina, Southwest Indian Pottery, Marcellus and Elizabeth Medina