Lois Gutierrez is one of the few potters who continue to create traditional polychrome (more than 3 colors of clay) pottery at Santa Clara Pueblo.  This is a large traditional-style water jar with a low shoulder and turned out rim. The jar has two flute players painted on the neck.  Their sashes extend outward creating additional designs.  There are plants next to the flute players.  Around the shoulder are intricately painted spiraling rug designs.  This jar is painted with extraordinary detail and at least SEVEN different colors of clay. It is a complex and striking piece!  After it was painted and then traditionally fired.  It is signed, “Lois” on the bottom.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  There is a second place ribbon from the 2004 Gallup Inter-tribal Ceremonials.

Brand

Gutierrez, Lois (b. 1948)

Lois Gutierrez

Lois Gutierrez is the sister of noted potters Gloria Garcia (Goldenrod), Minnie Vigil and Thelma Talachy. She has won numerous awards for her pottery, including "Best of Show" at the Santa Fe Indian Market in the early 1980's. Her work has been featured in numerous books including "Talking with the Clay" and "Beyond Traditions". She is one of the few potters at Santa Clara Pueblo who continues to create true polychrome pottery. Each of the different colors on this piece are derived from different clays! Few potters are willing to take the time to find the different clays to create the various colors.