This is an extraordinary large jar by Laurencita Herrera (1912-1984).  She was the matriarch of a family of renowned potters. Her daughters include Seferina Ortiz and Mary Francis Herrera. Her grandchildren include Virgil Ortiz and his sisters, Janice, Inez, and Joyce Ortiz. She created an amazing legacy at Cochiti that continues to this day.  This is the largest piece of her pottery that we have had in the gallery.  The large jar is coil-built, slipped white, and painted with wild spinach (black) and red clay slips. It has four lizards in relief on the surface of the piece.  They are separated by large corn plants. Near the rim are cloud designs. The jar was traditionally fired to create slight color variations on the surface.  The jar is signed, “Laurencita Herrera” on the base.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It’s definitely a classic by this historically important Pueblo potter!