Yazza, Ethel Gutierrez – Jar with Carved Bear Paws

Ethel Gutierrez Yazza (b. 1959) is a granddaughter of Rosita Velarde and Flora Naranjo, a daughter of Victoria Gutierrez, and a sister of Eugene Gutierrez, Effie Garcia, Julie Gutierrez, and Sally Tafoya.  She began making pottery when she was only five years old!  This jar is made from native clay and it is coil-built, carved, stone polished, and traditionally fired. The jar is deeply carved with two bear paws and two prayer feathers.  Note how the design is outlined black-on-black on the edge of the carving.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Ethel Yazza.”  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.