Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Birds in Volutes [SOLD]

This is an exceptionally fine Acoma polychrome olla, dating from circa 1920. The high point of maximum diameter, design elements, execution and a shorter neck are indicative of vessels created after 1900.

As is tradition, it was formed from native clay with the addition of ground pottery shard temper. It exhibits a rag-wiped white slip, orange neck interior, and orange-slipped underbody with concave base, typical of Acoma pottery.

The artist chose not to divide the design field into distinct areas separated by division lines, rather, she chose to use the full field to express a single artistic concept, and this she did beautifully. The main element of the design is a whirlwind spiral enclosing a bird perched on a berry bush. The bird is orange in color and without black outlines. The tips of the whirlwind are orange and are outlined in brown.

The rim top and framing lines are worked in mineral black, which is really dark brown, and are without ceremonial breaks. The fine line and geometric/curvilinear elements are mineral black on rag-wiped white slip, with additional embellishments in typical orange.

This truly is a superlative work of art that is excellent in construction and design execution with wonderful semi-gloss patina to the slip. The painting is the precise draftsmanship of an outstanding artist.

An added bonus to this jar is a one-inch wide orange painted spiral on the interior of the jar. The reason? An Acoma potter said that a downward spiral is an acknowledgement and thank you to Mother Earth for the materials for making the pottery.

Provenance: This Acoma Polychrome Jar with Birds was part of the exhibit CODY, WYOMING POTTERY COLLECTION June 10, 2006 until September 10, 2006 presented at Adobe Gallery Santa Fe.

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham