Historic Ohkay Owingeh Dough Bowl, circa 1890s

This polished red-over-tan dough bowl, dating from the late 19th century, is a classic example of the standard Tewa shape from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, directly rooted in the tradition of 17th- and 18th-century bowls. It is one of the largest dough bowls of its kind that we've had in our collection.

The bowl's exterior features a red clay slip around the restricted neck, meticulously stone-polished to a high luster. The rest of the exterior, left in the natural clay body, was also stone-polished, as was the interior of the bowl. The traditional outdoor firing process created a stunning array of fire clouds on the bowl's exterior, adding a unique and organic beauty to its utilitarian form.

The history of pottery at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo reflects its deep connection to tradition. While the arrival of the Spaniards in the late 1500s brought little change to pottery design, the opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821 and the arrival of the transcontinental railroad in 1880 ushered in inevitable shifts, especially in pueblos closer to non-Indigenous populations.

Despite these changes, the potters of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo remained steadfast in their dedication to traditional, undecorated utilitarian wares, celebrated for their elegant shapes and simple slipped surfaces enhanced by fire clouds. Even today, a century after the pueblo transitioned to creating modern styles for tourists and collectors, these historic undecorated wares continue to captivate collectors with their understated beauty and cultural significance.

Condition: very good condition. Inspected under black light and no cracks or repairs were found.

Provenance: this Historic Ohkay Owingeh Dough Bowl, circa 1890s is from a gentleman from New Mexico

Recommended Reading: Pueblo Pottery of the New Mexico Indians: Ever Constant, Ever Changing by Betty Toulouse

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, San Juan Pueblo