Lois Gutierrez is one of the few potters who continues 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 a kiva step rim.  The rim is higher on one side and carved with kiva steps.  Above the shoulder, the jar is painted with an avanyu encircling the piece.  Above the avanyu are stars and surrounding the body are additional stars.  Below the shoulder are prayer feathers.  It is a complex and striking piece!  The piece is painted with five different colors of clay.  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.

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.