Historic Acoma Pueblo Magnificent Polychrome Pottery Jar [SOLD]

Artistic Evolution: A Journey Through the Acoma Pottery Tradition

Despite its modest size, this jar is a testament to the grandeur of craftsmanship, boasting a design that harks back to the Acoma's Ako period pottery of the 1750s. The Ako influence is evident in the rim treatment, characterized by a short vertical strip for reinforcement. The exterior rim's dark brown pigment transitions to red on the interior, marking the end of the Ako pottery resemblance.

Post-1850, the decorative style evolved to become more intricate. Techniques such as hatching and cross-hatching were employed to fill spaces, often using the entire white-slipped portion of the jar for a single, continuous pattern. The pottery produced during this period was of exceptional quality, featuring designs composed of numerous, complex elements [Batkin, 1987:138].

This particular jar, with its rounded bottom, deviates from the typical characteristics of pottery made for sale or water transportation. It seems to have been crafted purely for the maker's enjoyment. The high-shouldered jar is adorned with cream slip decoration from bottom to top, devoid of upper framing lines. Two framing lines demarcate the end of the design placement and the red underbody. We estimate that this jar dates back to circa 1900, a period rich in cultural and artistic expression.

The potter's chosen designs include a band of interconnected diamonds at the midbody, flanked by triangles above and below. Both the diamonds and triangles feature parallel fine line hatching within their forms. The jar showcases an impressive amount of fine-line work, contributing to its overall composition. The painter's dedication is evident in the time invested to complete this jar. It leaves one to wonder if it was intended as a pueblo gift or simply the result of an artist indulging in the joy of creation.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Historic Acoma Pueblo Magnificent Polychrome Pottery Jar is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Reference: Batkin, Jonathan. Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940.  The Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 1987.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery