SIGNED HELEN GACHUPIN NATIVE AMERICAN PUEBLO POTTERY, ZIA PUEBLO. Zia Pueblo Native American polychrome signed by HELEN GACHUPIN pottery bowl which has an open, rounded shape and a smooth, slightly rolled or rounded rim. The background is a natural, warm light tan/buff color, which is characteristic of the clay used by artists. The vessel features classic Zia motifs: the central design elements appear to be highly stylized bird and feather motifs. Zia Bird (or Rain Bird) is a stylized bird, often depicted with a large eye, raised wings, and a multi-pronged tail, is a signature Zia motif, symbolizing protection, beauty, and often a prayer for rain. The broad, arcing ribbon of color often found at the top of the design field (which may be a rainbow or a representation of the sky/clouds) is another characteristic Zia element. Signed by Helen Gachupin.
ARTIST PROFILE: Helen Gachupin (1931-1999) was a highly respected and well-known potter from the Zia Pueblo. Helen Gachupin was a daughter of Andrea Toribio Gachupin and a granddaughter of Rosalie Medina Toribio. Her sister was Gloria Gachupin Chinana. She never married so she had no children to carry on her pottery-making tradition. She was known for her traditional pottery and the use of traditional designs. While never prolific, her work is in museums such as Peabody Museum (Harvard University), the Maxwell Museum (Albuquerque), the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (Santa Fe), and the Heard Museum (Phoenix). - Height: 9 inches. Estimate $300-500
