Vintage Bertha Gachupin Jemez Native American Pottery Vase

Bertha Gachupin, “Thunder Flower”, was born into the Jemez Pueblo in 1954. She is a full blooded Native American Indian and a member of the Zia and Corn Clan. Her pottery falls into the Pueblo category. Bertha was inspired to learn the art of making pottery by her Grandmother, Persingula Gachupin. She was also inspired artistically and economically to continue the family tradition of hand coiling pottery.

Bertha specializes in handmade corn stalk pottery. She has continued to use only traditional methods to make her pottery and has mastered the hand coiling, stone polish, and traditional firing needed to perfect her pottery.

Bertha’s unique style is to use a buff or red slip on the pottery, then applies melon swirls that are carved into the her pottery. She then accents the finished product with corn painted designs to denote her clan origin. The pottery is then hand polished after firing. She signs her pottery as Bertha Gachupin, Jemez, followed by a corn symbol.

This piece is an older piece, with an estimated age of the 1970's to 1980's.  The top of this piece is off center square instead of a round design, it has both a smooth finish and a non smooth finish. It is 6 1/4" tall and 3 1/4" across the mouth, the center of the vase is about 5" across.  It is in excellent condition, no chips, does have very small spot where the paint is missing on the pattern, probably age related. Signed on the bottom with Bertha Gachupin Jemez and the corn stalk symbol.

A unique piece that would be an outstanding addition to your collection. Please see our other listings for additional pieces of vintage Native American Pottery. Shipping is less for combined purchases then the above quoted individual cost per item combined and will be adjusted after your order is placed.