Historic Pottery Isleta Pueblo Traditional Dough Bowl

This stunning redware dough bowl was crafted by an Isleta Pueblo potter. For early utilitarian pieces like this, tan clay was used with a red slip applied around the rim. The bowl was then stone-polished to create a smooth finish, which contrasts nicely with the rough texture of the sand used as a tempering agent. This traditional Isleta style was commonly practiced until 1879, when several potters from Laguna Pueblo migrated to Isleta and introduced the local potters to polychrome ware techniques. Over time, this new style replaced the older traditional methods.

Finding a well-preserved example of traditional Isleta pottery is always a pleasure, as these pieces are relatively rare. Potters who practiced the original Isleta style did not adopt the techniques brought by Laguna potters, and conversely, those who learned the new polychrome style did not continue creating the traditional redware. As the older generation of Isleta potters stopped producing pottery, the traditional style gradually disappeared.

This bowl bears all the characteristics of extensive use in the Pueblo. The interior and exterior surfaces show signs of accumulated materials, with abrasions and chips adding to its historical authenticity. The interior surface has been worn smooth from use, and there is a distinct discoloration in the center. These marks of wear emphasize the bowl's utilitarian purpose.

The bowl's deep red color is visually striking, and its well-proportioned form is commendable. The exterior is adorned with a lovely pattern of small fire clouds, varying from soft gray to dark black. These clouds differ in size, creating a captivating composition that enhances the bowl's overall appearance. This piece is an exceptional example of historic Isleta Pueblo pottery.

Condition: good condition with extensive wear from use, including abrasions, chips, and two cracks at the rim (see below)

Provenance: this Historic Pottery Isleta Pueblo Traditional Dough Bowl was sold to a collector of Adobe Gallery and is now available once again.

Reference: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Historic Pottery, Isleta Pueblo