This is a traditional 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 round shoulder and an elongated neck.  The jar depicts the Basket Dance at Santa Clara Pueblo.  There are six figures on the jar, alternating male and female.  They are each detailed in their painted designs from the basket to the kilts.  There is a large basket painted on one section of the jar with a corn plant in the center.  Below the shoulder are flowers painted red on a brown background.  The jar has a striking flow of design and an amazing coloration.  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 07”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.