Kewa (Santo Domingo) Chile Bowl [SOLD]

When chile bowls have been used for serving red or green chile stew, they absorb a wonderful patina that is neither red nor green, but a warm and smooth oily look.  The interior of the bowl soaks up the essence of the contents and the exterior picks up the oil from one’s hands.  The clay is porous so it absorbs easily.  The interior of the bowl is stone polished so the bowl is secure from disintegration. 

This bowl shows evidence of use at the pueblo and has the initials MSG scratched into the clay on the red underbody.  These are the initials of the previous owner of the bowl.  It is still the practice today for the owner to write, paint or scratch her initials on the vessel so that she is sure to have it returned to her after its communal use. 

This is a truly excellent chile bowl whether one wishes to use it or add it to a collection.  The patina is warm and shows evidence of much use.

Condition: very good condition

Recommended Reading: A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie Verzuh, et al

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