Historic Wide-Bodied Acoma 4-color Parrot Wedding Vase [SOLD]

This wide-bodied Acoma 4-color parrot wedding vase is a striking piece of traditional pottery that exemplifies the rich cultural heritage and artistic skill of the Acoma Pueblo people. This vase features a round, full-bodied shape with two narrow neck spouts, which are characteristic of wedding vases, symbolizing the union of two lives.

The surface of the vase is adorned with intricate designs and two large parrots, one on either side in four vibrant colors: dark brown, red, and orange on a white slip ground. These colors are derived from natural pigments and hold significant meaning in Acoma culture. The main motif is the parrot, a symbol of beauty and fertility, depicted with great detail and surrounded by geometric patterns and stylized floral elements. The parrots are usually positioned in a way that highlights their graceful forms and vibrant plumage, creating a dynamic and lively composition.

The craftsmanship of this vase is evident in its smooth, polished finish and the precision of the painted designs. Each element of the decoration is meticulously applied, reflecting the artisan's deep respect for tradition and their mastery of the pottery-making process. This wedding vase was not only a functional object but also a piece of art that tells a story of love, community, and cultural continuity.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Historic Wide-Bodied Acoma 4-color Parrot Wedding Vase is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

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

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery, Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA