Sofia Medina was known for her traditional style of Zia pottery.  Each piece was coil built, painted with native clays, and native fired.  This jar is one of her more complex designs.  It is a classic Zia shape with a high shoulder and a slight neck.  The jar has a red polished rainbow over a Zia bird. The birds and rainbows are both polished.  At the end of the rainbows are tan polished clouds. Separating the birds are larger feather medallions. The medallions are encircled with a polished red area. The jar is a striking balance of design and form.  It is unusual to see their work with such complicated patterns!  Did you know that Zia potters use basalt as their temper for the clay, which gives these pieces their stability but also weight?  The jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the side, “Sofia Medina”.