Seed Jar by Virginia Gutierrez (MMA 96.34.64)
This ceramic seed jar was crafted by potter Virginia Gutierrez of Nanbé Owingeh (Pueblo of Nambé) and P’osuwaege Owingeh (Pueblo of Pojoaque). It is painted in red, brown, gold, blue and cream colors with intricate symbolic designs, featuring feathers, sun gods, kiva steps, and clouds, and is signed by the artist, who made this jar sometime around the year 1982.
Virginia Gutierrez (1940-2012) was a potter known for experimenting with colors and creating “vivid polychrome plates and jars,” according to the website Native American Pottery. The pueblos where she comes from, Nanbé Owingeh and P’osuwaege Owingeh, are Tewa-speaking communities in the northern Rio Grande region, just north of Santa Fe.
This jar was part of a large collection donated to UNM by Mary Ellen Blair, an author, researcher, and participant in judging Southwest Indian art shows. She purchased this jar at the Santa Fe Indian market.
Post by: Erika Alvero
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