Kewa Pueblo Polychrome Stew Bowl with Tulip Design [SOLD]

This Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo polychrome stew bowl probably dates to the first quarter of the 20th century. It has the traditional rag-wiped bentonite slip, black rim around the top, and a wide red band wiped below the decorated section. The main body is decorated in a single extremely bold design that is sometimes referred to as a "tulip design."  It is one of the most spectacular designs seen on Kewa bowls.

The interior of the bowl has developed a beautiful dark and rich patina from years and years of use at the pueblo prior to being on the market for sale.

Traditionally, the owner of a serving bowl will carve her initials or name or write it on in red finger nail polish on the outside of the piece prior to taking it to the plaza during a Feast Day ceremony to insure that she gets it back after the day's festivities. When one sees this, one can be sure the bowl was made for use in the pueblo and was well used during meals at home and servings at Feast Day. The owner of this bowl, however, wrote her name, probably with magic marker, on the underside of the bowl and it has now worn off to the extent that it is illegible.

Condition: the bowl is in very good condition. There is one rim crack that is insignificant

Provenance: from an Albuquerque Southwest Indian Pottery collector

Recommended Reading: A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti and Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie K Verzuh