This is a complex polychrome water 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 is a water jar shape with a low shoulder and an elongated neck.  The jar has two large hummingbirds and flowers.  There are two Mimbres-style butterflies mixed into the flowers.  The jar is colorful with SEVEN different colors used for the designs.  Did you know that Lois collects each of the different clays from around Santa Clara Pueblo in order to create these colorations?  The rim has small kiva step designs representing the four directions.  The jar was traditionally fired.  It is signed, “Lois” and the jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.