Helen Gutierrez (1935-1993) was a daughter of Isabel Atencio, a sister of Gilbert Atencio, and the mother of Geraldine, Carol, and Rose Gutierrez. She was known for her traditional San Ildefonso pottery.  This small bowl is highly polished and painted with an avanyu (water serpent) encircling the piece.  The bowl was traditionally fired a deep black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Helen Gutierrez”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.