Cochiti Pueblo Historic 19th-century Olla [SOLD]

Late 19th-century ollas were more rounded or globular than those that followed in the early 20th century.  Such a rounded shape is so attractive that one wonders why the potters abandoned it in favor of more vertical-shape jars.  This pre-1900 olla immediately captures the eyes of the viewer.  The rounded body of the jar forces the bold design to leap forward as if three-dimensional.

The body is decorated along its neck with three narrow painted black bands. Underneath the bands is a row of black painted peaked forms. Seen beneath these peaked forms is a wider black strip interspersed with diamond shaped elements.

From the rounded body of this historic olla from Cochiti Pueblo, the short neck rolls out in a concave curve that clearly reveals the thin wall construction, evidence of an excellent potter.  The interior of the neck is painted with white slip. The globular body of this jar is decorated with traditional white slip, overpainted with bold black diagonal forms that may represent leaf shapes. A double black band completes the body decoration. Below the body design panel is a wide red band indicative of the size seen on late 19th-century jars.  The underbody is concave.

Aside from the overall striking design of this jar, there is a unique ceremonial break that vertically divides the painted section. This break extends up from the red painted underbody design and up through the painted three bands on the upper rim.

Recommended Reading: A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie Verzuh, et al.

Condition: For a jar over 100 years of age, it is in good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Colorado