Historic Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Bird Rattle Pottery Figurine c.1890s

This polychrome pottery bird figure was made by an unknown Acoma Pueblo potter. Chapter 19 of Lanmon and Harlow's The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo is devoted to the various types of pottery animals that were created by Acoma and Laguna potters during the late historic period, with a focus on the many types of birds. Lanmon and Harlow note that pottery animals were quite rare before 1910, but they do show a number of remarkable examples dating back to circa 1870. This piece appears to be a bit later—the 1890s, Adobe Gallery would estimate.

While this piece was likely made for sale, earlier examples date to before the tourist era, which suggests that these forms were at one point created for the personal enjoyment of the potters themselves. Lanmon and Harlow note that their purpose remains unclear, though they add that "their primary function may have been amusement (perhaps for children). This is especially likely in the case of figures with built-in rattles." They go on to note that many examples feature two heads, with one complete head and one with an open rim, which is what we see with this example. [317-318]

This piece has a small rock or fired ceramic bead inside, which means that it is both figurine and rattle, like the pieces mentioned above. Like most Acoma polychrome pottery, it is slipped in white, painted with black and orange designs, and has an orange base. The bird heads seem almost playful in appearance, as if the potter was indulging her creative spirit while recreating a form that dated back to decades earlier. It is an appealing piece, and certainly a well-made example. Lanmon and Harlow note that these forms were, for a number of reasons, actually quite difficult to make. We are pleased to offer a beautiful example of an interesting and somewhat mysterious pottery form.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Historic Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Bird Rattle Pottery Figurine c.1890s is from a private collection

Reference: Lanmon, Dwight P. and Francis H. Harlow. The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo, Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe. 2013

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery