Acoma Pueblo Four-color Polychrome Bowl [SOLD]

It is a toss-up as whether to classify this bowl as Contemporary or Historic as it is at the cusp of the two designations.  We have arbitrarily selected the contemporary category but could be swayed to lean toward historic.  Not much four-color polychrome pottery was produced in the 20^th century but some was probably made.  It seems that the dark red paint, which was usually the fourth color used on historic polychrome pottery disappeared by late 1800s.  This bowl, however, has deep yellow as the fourth color and that probably was used into early 20^th century.

Another uncertainty is whether the bowl was made at Acoma or Laguna Pueblo, as that is always a concern since the two pueblos produced pottery almost identical in style.  There is strong evidence that this one could have originated at Laguna based on the split-kite type elements and the orange flowers devoid of black outlining.  Both are seen on Laguna pottery, but the small berries usually associated with Laguna pottery are missing, so we have sided with Acoma as the origin.

Condition: the bowl probably dates to the first quarter of the 20^th century and is in remarkable condition.  There are no cracks of chips, only minor abrasion to the white slip but that just adds to the patina.

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Acoma and Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham