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Nellie Bica is considered a matriarch of 20th century Pueblo Indian pottery. Born in 1904, she became a master potter and especially known for her owls. She adopted the innovation by Pueblo potters of signing her work; she revived the earlier standing owl tradition; and she created a distinct look to her owls, including placing baby owls on the wings and tails. The passing on of distinct pottery styles is an important hallmark of Pueblo art. Families have used these distinct styles for generations. The Bica-Kalestewa family from Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico is a good example of this. (See related people.)

Born: 1904
Died: 1999