Zia Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Tile signed Isabel Medina [SOLD]

This pottery tile from Zia Pueblo is signed Isabel Medina Zia, in pencil. It was most likely made before she married and assumed the last name of Toribio. There is a circular label on the back of the tile that reads "APPROVED - N.M. Association of Indian Affairs." In 1935 this label was placed on those pieces the judges believed were representative of good Indian art at the Saturday summer fairs under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. We therefore assign a date of 1935 to this tile. Isabel (Medina) Toribio (ca.1882/1889 - 1940) was an accomplished potter who made magnificent jars. Tiles, such as this, were probably made during the last years of her life.

The tile features a Zia Bird in flying mode. Surrounding the edges of the tile are brown and orange designs likely representing rain. The back of the tile and the edges have a polished deep red finish.

Starting in the 1920s, some potters began signing their wares with the name of their pueblo, and often their own names. This practice, however, did not become widespread among pueblo potters until the 1950s. Despite urging from the organizers of the 1927 Southwest Indian Fair in Santa Fe, most potters resisted signing their wares. [Harlow & Lanmon,2003:28]

Condition: good condition

Provenance: this Zia Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Tile signed Isabel Medina is from a private collection

Reference: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Francis H. Harlow and Dwight P. Lanmon

TAGS: Zia Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, Rosalia Medina Toribio, Isabel Medina Toribio