Arthur and Hilda Coriz facts for kids
Arthur and Hilda Coriz were a husband and wife team from the Kewa Pueblo in New Mexico. They were famous Native American potters. They signed their beautiful pottery with "Arthur and Hilda Coriz."
Contents
How They Started Making Pottery
Hilda Coriz (born Hilda Tenorio, 1949–2007) was the sister of a well-known potter, Robert Tenorio. Robert encouraged Hilda to start making pottery. Arthur Coriz (1948–1998) began learning about pottery in 1975. He watched Hilda and Robert create their amazing pieces.
Becoming Master Potters
When they first started, Arthur and Hilda made the pottery shapes. Robert, Hilda's brother, would add the decorative designs and paint them. Within two years, Arthur began painting pots for himself and Hilda. They soon became full-time potters. They won many awards at the Santa Fe Indian Markets between 1983 and 1998. They also showed their art at the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Shows.
Their Unique Pottery Style
The Coriz couple made pottery using old traditions from Santo Domingo potters. They used only natural clays. For black paint, they used the Rocky Mountain bee plant (also called wild spinach) and honey. Together, they created traditional jars, bowls, dough bowls, and canteens. These pieces often had many colors. Arthur and Hilda loved to draw birds, clouds, flowers, and animals. Their favorite animals included deer and bighorn sheep. They always signed their pottery with "Arthur and Hilda Coriz."
Their Artistic Legacy
Arthur passed away in 1998, and Hilda passed away in 2007. Their daughter, Ione Coriz (born 1973), continues their family tradition. She also makes traditional Santo Domingo pottery. Ione won awards for her pottery when she was younger. In 1988, she placed 3rd, and in 1989, she won 2nd place. These wins were in the ages 18 and under divisions at the Santa Fe Indian Market.