We are very excited to present the work of Camilla Toya from Jemez Pueblo. She is the daughter of Maxine Toya and sister of Dominique Toya. As a career educator, she spends most of her time working with students but during the summer she finds time for her amazing pottery talent.

This piece features a two tone finish, with sparkling micaceous clay ribs offset by a narrow band of highly polished red ribs - all swirling around in harmonious motion. The literal capstone of the jar is an impeccably precise fitting lid adorned with a decorative butterfly. It’s a real gem!

If you have questions about this
item, please contact Brandon: sales@ancientnations.com

Artist Bio:

Camilla “Mia” Toya, member of the Corn Clan was born in 1974 and was given the Indian name of Rainbow Basket. Mia was inspired to continue the long lived tradition of working with clay from many members of her family who are well known artisans.

They taught Mia where to gather the best clays and other natural pigments, and construct her pottery using the ancient hand coiling methods of her ancestors. Mia began working with clay at the age of 14 and continues to add her unique style of art to this day.

Mia specializes in contemporary styled hand coiled melon swirl pottery with butterfly lids. She gathers her clay from within the grounds of the Jemez Pueblo. She grinds the clay, hand cleans the clay, hand mixes the clay, hand coils, shapes, cuts the lid portion of the pot while it is still damp.

She sands each melon pot individually to get the roundness of the swirl in proportion with each other. Then, she hand shapes her butterflies and hand paints them using natural colors. Once her pottery dries she fires her pottery, outdoors.

Mia stated; “I love butterflies and have a strong passion for creating my own style of art.” She signs her pottery as: Camilla Toya, Jemez Pueblo. She is related to the following artists: Maxine Toya (mother), Dominique Toya (sister), Marie Romero (grandmother), Laura Gachupin (aunt), and Gordon Foley (cousin).