Ella Irving, Oglala Lakota vase

Ella Irving (known as Ella Woody during the late ’30s and Ella Cox during the 1940s) secured a loan in 1955 to purchase a log building in downtown Pine Ridge to continue pottery production (that had started at the high school in 1937-40). Clay was dug near this area and glazes were produced locally, as at the school. Ella and company continued using the incised mark “Pine Ridge Sioux” sometimes including the word “Indian”, under a pine tree on a ridge. Ella and her sister Olive (also known as “Ollie”) Cottier threw pots on the wheel, while the third sister, Bernice Talbot did the work of casting, glazing and decorating the pottery. The demise of Ella’s efforts appears to have come in the 1980’s when her shop was vandalized and equipment was stolen. Production ceased at this time, despite continuing demand for the pottery.

In Sept. of 1999, at the age of 93, Ella Irving was awarded the 10th annual South Dakota Living Indian Treasure Award in recognition of her contributions to Native American art forms. Her pottery can be found around the world, including in the Smithsonian Institute.
https://wisconsinpottery.org/pine-ridge-pottery/; https://justartpottery.com/blogs/news/pine-ridge-sioux-dakota-native-american-art-pottery