Large and Decorated Cochiti Pueblo Pottery Serving Bowl [SOLD]

Pottery from Cochiti and Santo Domingo Pueblos more closely resembles eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Rio Grande Tewa-speaking pueblos than it does that of its other Keresan-speaking neighbors.  The most probable reason is their more isolated location than the other Keresan Pueblos—San Felipe, Santa Ana, Zia, Laguna, and Acoma. Brody 2008

Unlike other Pre-Columbian North American societies, New Mexico pueblo potters routinely painted designs on utilitarian wares—water jars, storage jars, bowls, and canteens. Why? Perhaps because there was no early tradition of painting on paper and canvas, only on cave walls.  Painting on pottery was a way to demonstrate one’s artistic talent on something visible every day in the home.

This serving bowl from Cochiti Pueblo was decorated on the interior and exterior.  The design on the bottom interior is probably a plant feature and perhaps the design near the rim represents clouds.  The exterior designs might possibly represent clouds, however, there may be no direct connection with the designs and nature.  They may be only artistic designs with no meaning other than to please the members of the home where it resided.

Condition: very good condition

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.

Reference: A River Apart – The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos, 2008, edited by Valerie K. Verzuh

Relative Links: Pottery, Cochiti, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Zia, Laguna, Acoma