Kewa Pueblo Historic Polychrome Olla [SOLD]

In late 19^th century, Santo Domingo Pueblo (now Kewa Pueblo) developed a style of decoration that was unlike the styles of any of the other pueblos. At San Juan Pueblo (now Ohkay Owingeh) and Santa Clara Pueblos, pottery was polished black or red, and at San Ildefonso, Tesuque and Cochiti, decoration was ornate and intricate. The western pueblos featured polychrome patterns that were rather elaborate.

Kewa Pueblo potters developed a strong bold form of ornamentation in black on cream-colored background, with only a red band under the decorated area. Red was not used in the design pattern. The design basically consisted of simple geometric patterns repeated around the vessel body. Neck zones usually had elements in repetition as well.

This vessel exhibits the classic traits of Santo Domingo Polychrome typology (polychrome only because of the rag-wiped red band). The neck interior is red-slipped, with a black rim top. The under body is stone-polished bare paste with a one-inch rag-wiped red band. The cream/off-white slip is rag-wiped bentonite with black vegetal designs. There is a single framing line just under the rim, double framing lines just below the neck, triple framing lines at the shoulder, then double framing lines at the base, all of which are broken with a vertically oriented ceremonial break.

The neck design is sometimes referred to as a tulip design, although that was probably not the intent of the potter who placed it there.  Between the neck and the main body are designs comprised of black triangles arranged to form a star shape.  The main body design also is composed of black triangles arranged in stacked and attached form.  The overall impression of the design is architecturally bold and modern, something not expected from a pueblo potter a hundred years ago.  Jars with this style design are timeless.

The jar exhibits characteristics that appear to be from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries crossover period.  It is in excellent condition.