Historic Polychrome Acoma OLLA [SOLD]

Widely recognized for its colorful designs and geometric patterns, Acoma Pueblo is renowned as one of the most influential and most historic producers of traditional Southwestern Indian pottery. It also happens to be the oldest continually inhabited community in North America. It is interesting to note that every Acoma pot has an old pot incorporated in it. The potters take old pot sherds and grind them up to use as temper for a new pot. This renders every Acoma pot a unique piece of history.

This particular jar is no exception when it comes to Acoma tradition and design. It is wonderfully shaped, with a thin base opening up to a broad shoulder which then narrows up toward the mouth, a very typical style for Acoma Pueblo. The motif is striking, with numerous patterns of black and orange color all around, set on a beige slip. A few of them in particular look like they could be wings or possibly rain clouds. The Acoma are known for incorporating weather and geographic symbols into their work.

As it gets quite hot at Acoma Pueblo, it is common for their pottery to be light-weight and thin-walled, with this pot being no exception. However, they are also known for their incredibly high quality pieces, which despite the lighter weight are consistently very sturdy.

No pot is immune to accidents however, and there is one restoration to be noted on this one, which entails a crack on the underside of the olla. Fortunately, this crack has been fully stabilized and is not highly visible to the viewer. The piece is in great condition otherwise, and includes a beautiful patina from light wear.

Acoma consists of several villages, but the best known is the one referred to as "Sky City." It sits atop a 357-foot mesa that was inaccessible to enemy raids for centuries because there was only one way up—a heavily guarded narrow stairway where one had to use handholds to ascend. Today, there is a paved road to the top. That is the only modern day convenience, however, as there is no running water, electricity, or telephone lines. A little more than 50 people live on top of the mesa year round; the remainder of the people live in the farming villages below. Acoma Pueblo artists are known for their intricate fine black-line rain pottery. Their Feast day is September 2nd, honoring their patron saint, St. Stephen.

Condition: There is a crack on the underside which has been restored skillfully and is in very stable condition. Aside from this the condition is overall quite good.

Provenance: this Historic Polychrome Acoma OLLA is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery