Acoma Pueblo Historic Polychrome OLLA with Intricate Designs [SOLD]

This polychrome OLLA, or water jar, was likely created by an Acoma Pueblo potter named Teofila Torivio. We make this attribution based on the OLLA's similarity to another piece that is pictured in Lanmon and Harlow's The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo. We'd estimate that this piece dates to around 1910. It is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of historic Acoma Pueblo pottery from this era.

According to Lanmon and Harlow, "Two unusual design ideas are observed more often on Acoma vessels than on vessels from any other pueblo. One is the construction of elaborate designs with rotational symmetry. The second, color continuity in circumferential designs, is also seen frequently on vessels from Acoma" [223]. This jar exhibits the latter of those two ideas in the form of an undulating band, which is split into three identically sized sections. The upper and lower sections are solid orange, and the center has a black and white checkerboard pattern.

This primary element left plenty of space for additional designs, and Torivio wisely chose to occupy that space with eight repetitions of an inventive and appealing composition. It's a symmetrical form containing an elegant combination of a number of elements. Each repetition's line of symmetry appears right at the peak or valley of the undulating band. Vertical bands of triangular elements and rain clouds separate each instance of the design.

What is most impressive is the manner in which the many elements here support and enhance one another in service of the composition as a whole. This is masterful design work—complex, but exhibiting taste and restraint. The gorgeous orange tone was applied sparingly, coloring only the aforementioned rain clouds and the upper and lower bands. This thoughtful application heightens its impact.

The vessel itself was beautifully formed, and its gently patinated surface further heightens its considerable beauty. This olla will likely appeal to many, and for good reason—it is an outstanding example of early twentieth century Acoma pottery.

Teofila Torivio (ca. 1870 - ?) was an Acoma Pueblo potter. Little information has been published regarding her life and career, but she is known to have become active as a potter around 1900, making traditional polychrome Acoma wares. She was the mother of Frances Pino Torivio, Juanita Keen, Katherine Analla, Lolita Concho, and Concepcion Garcia.

Condition: excellent condition, one very small rim chip and a few small abrasions from handling

Provenance: this Acoma Pueblo Historic Polychrome OLLA with Intricate Designs is from a private collection

References:

- Dwight P. Lanmon and Francis H. Harlow, The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo

- Gregory Schaaf, Southern Pueblo Pottery: 2,000 Artist Biographies

TAGS: Lolita Concho, Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Lilly M. Salvador, Wanda Aragon, Frances Torivio. Historic Pottery, Juanita Keene, Lolita Torivio Concho