Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo Large Water Jar [SOLD]

This is our first acquisition from Kewa Pueblo potter Vidal Aguilar, a member of the famous Aguilar family of potters dating back to the late 1800s with the Aguilar sisters of fame.

According to Gregory Schaaf, in the referenced book below, “Vidal Aguilar makes some of the largest polychrome ollas at Santo Domingo in the Aguilar family tradition.  His pottery is hand coiled and polished.  His black paint is a mineral pigment used centuries ago, rather than the typically used Guaco or Mountain Bee plant. His red & white paints are natural clay.  He fires his pottery in a pit.”

This large olla is painted in four horizontal panels in black on cream designs.  The upper panel at the rim consists of half circles, generally recognized as clouds.  The next band consists of tulip designs in an upside down position.  The band of designs at mid body appear also to be tulip elements, face to face or perhaps black rain clouds back to back. The lower band of designs could be cloud elements in black in a back to back position.  The underside is polished red slip.  The jar is signed with the artist’s name and hallmark.

Condition: excellent condition

Reference: Southern Pueblo Pottery, 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

Provenance: from a resident of New Mexico