For centuries, Zia Pueblo pottery has been a vital part of Native American Indian culture. This pottery is made from clay that turns a rich red when fired.
These storage jars and bowls are often decorated with bird and floral designs. They were used for food, storage, and trade.
Vases
Vases are a beautiful way to add color and texture to a room. You can find them in various shapes and sizes, from bud vases to classic glass designs to vintage jugs.
A bud vase filled with fresh blooms is a lovely spring mantel decor idea, or for a rustic autumn look, consider filling them with dried flowers or natural branches. A collection of vases on a shelf, sideboard, or table is another excellent way to showcase your jars and pots.
You can make your vases home with simple supplies like paper, paint, and glitter. You can also repurpose fused bulbs, wine corks, and more into decorative vases for a quick and easy revamp.
Bowls
Historically Zia was known for its large storage jars and dough bowls. These pottery pieces were often traded to other communities and were especially important during the early 1900s when smallpox and Spanish flu epidemics devastated the village.
During these difficult times, the women of Zia attributed their survival to selling their pots and bowls to help trade and barter for food. This was their way of preserving the culture and tradition that has made Zia what it is today.
These handmade bowls are a great way to mix things up in the kitchen. Whether you want to make a special meal or serve your daily breakfast, a bowl like this is the perfect addition to any dining room. It’s a piece that will be used for generations to come.
Planters
Planters are a classic way to bring color and nature into your home decor. Use them for flowers, herbs, or even vegetables.
There are many different ways to create a beautiful planter box. One of the best things about planters is that they can be arranged in various ways, making them perfect for multiple decorating styles.
If you want a rustic, natural look, moss planters are the way to go. They are simple, easy to care for, and come in all shapes and sizes.
Old rain boots are another shabby chic planter idea that adds a touch of fun and interest to your garden. Fill them with various flowers, such as pansies, begonias, and impatiens.
Storage Jars
Zia potters were skilled at making large vessels by hand. In this example, Medina began by mixing powdered clay with water and temper (a material that improves the plasticity of clay; in Zia, it is crushed basalt).
Then she shaped the jar using coils. She pinched, smoothed, and burnished the surface before firing.
This jar features traditional design elements faithful to the conservative Zia pottery tradition. These include a “sky band” of large arcing ribbons and a “Zia bird” motif. These designs represent prayers for rain and are familiar to large bowls at Zia in the 19th century.
Dough Bowls
Dough bowls are a perfect decor item for any season and can hold many things. They can be styled as table centerpieces and even be used to decorate your shelves or cabinets.
Dough Bowls are also an excellent choice for displaying candles! These giant candles are a great way to add a unique decor element to your home, but they should be used properly.
You can find various options at your local craft store to incorporate some seasonal decor into your dough bowl design. You can add faux pumpkins, pine cones, lamb ear stems, and more to your plan!