Historic Turn-of-the-Century Cochiti Pueblo Dough Bowl, c.1900

This handsome historic turn-of-the-century Cochiti Pueblo pottery dough bowl is a fine example of both form and function. Crafted in a traditional vessel shape ideal for mixing and kneading dough, it features the classic Cochiti design elements that have been passed down through generations. The interior of the bowl showcases a smooth, stone-polished red slip, while the rim, flattened and worn from frequent use, reveals a deep black patina. Double framing lines encircle the bowl above and below the painted design, with ceremonial line breaks adding a cultural touch. Below the painted area, the wiped-on red slip completes the bowl's characteristic look.

The wear on the rim tells the story of its functional history—these bowls were typically stored upside down on a shelf, with the rim extending slightly beyond the edge for easy retrieval. This practical storage method allowed the user to simply slide a finger beneath the rim and lift the bowl down, usually from a high shelf.

The bowl's unique three-leaf and rain cloud motif is a tribute to the Rocky Mountain Bee plant, which provided the black pigment used in the design. This thoughtful connection between the bowl's decoration and the natural world reflects the deep relationship between the Pueblo people and their environment, making this piece not just utilitarian but also a work of art steeped in tradition.

Condition: very good condition, with a slight separation of the clay on the interior, caused by the puki used during its formation before firing. The separation is filled with food residue.

Provenance: this Historic Turn-of-the-Century Cochiti Pueblo Dough Bowl, c.1900 is from a discerning pottery collector in Colorado

Reference: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1840 by Jonathan Batkin

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Cochiti Pueblo, Historic Pottery