Contemporary Zia Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Birds [SOLD]

Sofia Medina is certainly one of the best known of that generation of potters from Zia Pueblo.  She married into the Medina family in 1948.  She and her new husband Rafael (1929-1998) lived with his grandmother, Trinidad Medina who taught Sofia the techniques of potting. Her mentor, Trinidad, was one of the most talented potters at Zia and Sofia learned well and produced quality wares throughout her life.  Sofia used all natural materials in her pottery, including the pigments for painting.  Her husband is known for using acrylic paints on pottery after firing.

This fine example of her work features a pair of traditional Zia birds on opposing sides of the jar and geometric designs separating them.  It is signed Sofia Medina Zia just below the lower framing line.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from a family in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon