Laguna Pueblo Small Historic Olla [SOLD]

Refugees from Acoma and other pueblos established Laguna Pueblo a few years after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. As a result, its pottery is very similar to that of Acoma Pueblo, and, for the most part, is indistinguishable from Acoma ceramics. Sometimes, designs can be a distinguishing factor.

The domino-type slanted bars in black with lines in their centers are much more an identifiable design element of Laguna than Acoma. Additionally, the black design elements below the neck are often seen on Laguna pottery. We are using these criteria to attribute this jar to the hands of a potter at Laguna Pueblo. Should someone else disagree with this attribution, and state that the origin is Acoma Pueblo, that would be acceptable as there is much disagreement on distinguishing Laguna from Acoma ceramics.

The rim of the jar is black and is without interruption.  A wide framing line, also uninterrupted with a ceremonial break, separates the rim and body designs.  A thin framing line near the base appears to have a slight ceremonial break.

There is an excellent article in American Indian Art Magazine, Vol. 32, #3, Summer 2007, by Dwight Lanmon, entitled "Identifying Laguna Pueblo Pottery, Circa 1900." Although it applies to circa 1900 pottery, and this jar is probably circa 1920s, the information in the article gives a good understanding of how difficult it is to distinguish between Acoma and Laguna pottery.

A second article of interest is entitled "On Distinguishing Laguna from Acoma Polychrome" and it was authored by Florence H. Ellis and published in El Palacio, Vol. 73, #3, Autumn 1966. It is worth reading because it makes distinguishing pottery from the two pueblos even more confusing.

The surface of this jar exhibits a patina that easily convinces one that it existed as early as the first quarter of the 20^th century.

Condition:  the vessel is in very good structural condition but there is some loss of design due to water exfoliation.

Provenance: from a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: Acoma and Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham