Historic Cochiti Pueblo Medium-size Olla [R]

We mostly associate pottery-making at Cochiti Pueblo with figurative pottery but occasionally a potter there made water jars and dough bowls, even though Stevenson and Cushing, when making collections in 1879, noted that the majority of pieces being made there were figurative pieces and effigy vessels, with almost no ollas or bowls being made. Quite possibly, most of the jars and bowls were made after the 1880 period.

This medium-size olla was probably made in the first half of the 20^th century. It was well formed and has an excellent vessel shape. The true charm of the jar, however, is the looseness of the painted design. Often potters paint an outline of a design then fill in the interior with paint. It appears on this jar that the potter felt comfortable with skipping the outline and painting the design in a free-hand style.

It is likely that the jar was actually made for use. There is a faint water line on the interior, but fortunately there is no damage to the interior or exterior slips. The jar is in very good condition overall.