This is a complex polychrome kiva step jar by Lois Gutierrez.  She is one of the few potters who continues to create polychrome pottery at Santa Clara.  Polychrome, or more than three different colors of clay slips, are all painted onto the surface of the vessel before it is fired. This jar has a round body, elongated neck, and the neck is carved with a kiva step section.  The neck of the jar has two flute players and an eagle.  Note the detail in the kilts and sashes of the flute players.  The eagle is also highly detailed and colorful and the tail feathers swirl around the jar, creating the ground for the flute players!.  The inside of the neck has a turtle with a star on its back.  There are SIX different colors of clay on this jar.  Did you know that Lois collects each of the different clays from around Santa Clara Pueblo in order to create these colorations?   The jar was traditionally fired.  It is signed on the bottom, “Lois 03”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  

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.