Vigil, Minnie – Large Polychrome Seed Bowl with Feathers and Rain Clouds (1980s)

Minnie Vigil is renowned for her polychrome pottery.  In the 1980’s she created a distinctive style of pottery using different clays to create colorful designs on her pottery. This large seed bowl is matte.  It is painted with five different colors of clay, making it a true polychrome (more than three colors).  The opening has a swirling cloud design. On two sides are feather patterns with a cloud in the center.  On the opposite sides are medallions with cloud and rain designs.  It is a visually striking series of designs on a matte white background.  The bowl was traditionally fired and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom, “Minnie”.  She is a sister to potters Gloria Garcia (Goldenrod), Lois Guiterrez, and Thelma Talachy and an aunt to Jason Garcia.  Her mother was Petra Gutierrez and her grandmother was Pasqualita Gutierrez.

Brand

Vigil, Minnie (1931-2024)

Minnie Vigil was a daughter of Petra Gutierrez and a sister to noted potters Gloria Garcia (GoldenRod), Thelma Talachy, and Lois Gutierrez. Her son Tim "Sunbird" Vigil and daughters Annette Vigil Luhan and Bernadette "Bernie" Vigil, also made pottery in the 1980s.  Minnie was known for her polychrome pottery and the use of numerous clay slips to create the colors.  She signed her piece, "Minnie".  She has won numerous awards at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market.