Zia Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Tile [SOLD]

Reyes Gachupin was a sister of Trinidad Medina.  Her first husband was Juanito Moquino (1904-1932) leaving her a widow with three children. She then married James Pino (1916-1998).  She is sometimes listed as Reyes Gachupin Moquino/Pino. There are two jars by her in the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe and one in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, but no documented tile in either collection.

This tile is signed Reyes Gachupin in pencil on verso with a price of 50 cents.  “Zia potters started making rectangular plaques and tiles early in the 1900s, and these became a significant component of Zia pottery by the 1930s. Messier & Messier

This tile is sufficiently think to insure a successful product.  Thin tiles tend to curl when drying but thicker ones fare better. The traditional cream slip covers almost the entire front of the surface leaving a small amount of red slip as a frame.  The design is somewhat geometric with tipped feather elements, cloud sections and rain.  It most likely pre-dates the 1940s.

Condition: structurally in excellent condition with some abrasion to painted surface.

Recommended Reading: Hopi & Pueblo Tiles—an illustrated history by Kim and Pat Messier

Provenance: from a gentleman in Colorado