Zia
Some Zia clans formerly lived at Mesa Verde and Pueblo Bonito, before moving into the Rio Grande Valley in the 13th century. They established five main pueblos, and their population grew to perhaps 20,000 strong at the time of European contact. Within a decade after the Pueblo Revolt, 300 survivors remained. Their population did not rise much above 500 until the present generation. Zia pots are strong, because their temper is basalt, crushed black volcanic lava. Zia matte polychrome ollas, ca. 1750, feature mineral black outlines, buff oranges and reds, on a white, stone-polished slip. Most are globular with short, vertical, red-painted rims. By the 1830s, Zia potters generally painted the rims black. Beginning in the 19th century, one popular design features a diagonal row of star-like motifs capped with scrolls wrapped around three leaves. Dough bowls display flaring rims and bold designs. Early canteens include stirrup shapes, as well as globular forms with loop handles. Popular designs on 19th century Zia ollas include three-petaled flowers, birds, deer and even mountain lions, often framed in rainbow bands. By 1850, figures became more realistic. Roadrunners became the most popular 20th century Zia design. Some stand with head upstretched, while others run fast and low to the ground, as if being chased by “Wiley Coyote”.
Source Information: Volume Four, American Indian Art Series, Southern Pueblo Pottery, 2,000 Artist Biographies, by Gregory Schaaf, Ph.D.
