This is a traditional 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 round shoulder and an elongated neck.  The jar depicts dancers from the Buffalo Dance.  There are four figures on the jar.  There is a BUffalo Dancer, Deer Dancer, and two Antelope Dancers.  The Deer and Antelope Dancers are usually younger tribal members. This is especially true of the Antelope Dancers, as the kids have the energy to run around like an antelope!  The figures are painted under a multi-color rainbow.  They are separated by an evergreen branch with prayer feathers on the top.  Around the shoulder are tightly painted plant designs.  This piece is amazing in detail on the figures, the motion, and the number of colors. There are at least SEVEN 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 2000”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.