Kewa Pueblo Small Dough Bowl [SOLD]

One of the strongest decorative elements in historic Kewa pottery is a black rectangular element that forms an unpainted circle.  The circle appears to be the design but it is achieved by painting around it with black vegetal paint.  Another favorite design placed on bowls consists of black triangles arranged in the shape of a star.  This bowl is the first I've seen that features both of those elements.  

This is an excellent example of the finest work from Santo Domingo in the early 20^th century. The black guaco paint is strong and applied in even strokes.  The formation of the circles in the design is precise.  The bowl has an excellent patina, both inside and outside.

Condition: very good condition overall with a native repair at one vertical crack.  In traditional fashion, holes were drilled on opposite sides of the crack and then rawhide was used to reinforce the vessel wall at the crack.  There is no evidence of commercial repair or restoration.

Recommended Reading: A River Apart—The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos

Provenance:  from the extensive collection of a Santa Fe resident who has unfortunately moved to another city and found it necessary to greatly reduce her collection.