Balanced on a mesa top, about 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe, the Keres Pueblo of Zia sits north of the Jemez River. 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.

In the 19th century, fifteen potters were identified by name. By the early 20th century, over twenty-five additional Zia potters were active--Trinidad Medina being one of the best. Trinidad Medina was especially known for her large polychrome storage jars with unique designs. In 1928, she won 1st Prize at the New Mexico State Fair. She demonstrated at Chicago's 1933 Century of Progress Exposition and at San Francisco's 1939 golden Gate International Exposition.