Acoma Pueblo Historic Polychrome Olla, circa 1940s

This extraordinary and historic Acoma olla, or water jar, from the 1940s is a quintessential example of Acoma Pueblo pottery. Unsigned yet remarkable, this piece showcases the highly unique designs for which Acoma pottery is renowned. The thin-walled jar features intricate motifs all around, demonstrating the skilled craftsmanship of its maker. A subtle yet sublime characteristic of this jar is the placement of four diamond windows, which, when joined, create repeating X patterns around the surface.

A distinctive aspect of Acoma pottery is the incorporation of shards from old Acoma pottery into new pieces. This tradition honors the ancestors, making every Acoma jar a special piece of history. This polychrome jar is adorned with black, brown, and orange designs, creating a visually striking and culturally rich artifact.

The jar is marked on the bottom with Acoma, N. Mex. Although there are abrasions to the orange lower body, these minor imperfections do not detract from the overall beauty and historical significance of this extraordinary olla.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Acoma Pueblo Historic Polychrome Olla, circa 1940s is from a New Mexico collector

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery