Acoma Black-on-white Canteen with Appliqué Turtle Figure [R]

This pottery canteen was made to sit at a slight angle, leaning toward the back, so the entire face design would be visible.  The design is a contemporary adaptation of a prehistoric one.  It is arranged so as to provide a frame for the appliqué turtle figure attached to the apex of the body.  The design on the shell of the turtle is coordinated with that on the canteen.  The remainder of the canteen is white.

Jessie Garcia was considered by Rick Dillingham (author of Acoma and Laguna Pottery) as one of the three most important 20th century potters from Acoma Pueblo, along with Lucy Lewis and Marie Z. Chino.  She was the mother of Anita Lowden and Stella Shutiva and the mother-in-law of Sarah Garcia, all three of whom are recognized as outstanding potters. In 1941, Museum of New Mexico director Kenneth Chapman donated a Jessie Garcia seed jar to the Indian Arts Fund.  The Indian Arts Fund purchased a Jessie Garcia bowl from Mrs. William J. Lippincott, and then, in 1966, the Fund made a direct purchase of a bowl from Jessie at Indian Market.  These acquisitions indicate the esteem that the Indian Arts Fund had for the work of this potter.

This canteen is signed on the base Jessie Garcia Acoma NM. 

Condition: excellent condition with only two very insignificant spall marks, an indication that this potter worked the clay very well before construction of the vessel.

Reference: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Provenance: from a gentleman residing in Albuquerque