Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Parrots [SOLD]]

As I have expressed many times in the past, Juana Leno was one of the best potters at Acoma Pueblo in the mid- to late-twentieth century.  I always admired her and her work. My opinion has not changed.

This polychrome jar is a good example of her late-twentieth century pottery.  The focus of the design is a stylized parrot. Parrots are a favored design for Acoma potters.  When the Spaniards arrived in New Mexico, Acoma households had parrots, presumably traded from friends in Mexico or even further south into Central and South America.  There were trade routes before the Spaniards appeared.

Added to the parrot design is a section with a rectangular box containing a white four-leaf plant.  It is enhanced on top and bottom with black-on-white elements, one of which is filled with cross hatched lines.  The design is repeated on front and back. Additionally, there is a triangle containing checkerboard elements and topped with dark brown triangles.

Juana Leno chose to limit her use of orange in this jar and concentrate on a strong and bold dark brown layout.  The underside is orange, the base is flat, the rim is brown and the interior neck is orange in color. The jar is signed and dated 1980.

Condition: this Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Parrots is in very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman who specialized in collecting pottery by Acoma potters.

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham