Historic Acoma Polychrome OLLA with Orange Rim Design c.1940s

This Acoma polychrome olla from the 1940s is a striking example of the pueblo's long-standing pottery tradition. Measuring 10-¾ inches in height and 12 inches in diameter, the jar features a less common orange rim design that enhances its visual appeal. Acoma potters achieve this distinct hue by utilizing local minerals with a high iron content, which, when fired at specific temperatures, develops warm orange tones. This coloring contrasts beautifully with the traditional black-on-white designs characteristic of Acoma pottery.

The vessel's surface is adorned with repeating and alternating geometric patterns, arranged in balanced blocks around its form. Triangular and crescent shapes accent the rim, drawing the eye upward. A red slip coats the base of the olla and interior rim, creating a rich polychromatic effect that helps frame the intricate designs of the piece.

In the 1940s, Acoma Pueblo, often referred to as Sky City, was home to many renowned potters, including Mary Histia, Marie Z. Chino, Juana Leno, and Lucy Lewis. Their descendants have continued the tradition, producing pottery deeply rooted in ancestral techniques. With origins dating back to at least 1100 CE, Acoma Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. This olla is not only a beautiful work of art but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Acoma pottery.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: This Historic Acoma Polychrome OLLA with Orange Rim Design c.1940s is from the estate of an Adobe Gallery client.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo by Dwight P. Lanmon and Francis H. Harlow. (Chapter 22 "Unusual Forms of Acoma Pottery")

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery, Mary Histia, Marie Z. Chino, Juana Leno, Lucy Lewis