Historic Santo Domingo Pueblo Pottery Storage Jar by Monica Silva

This jar is truly magnificent and makes a bold, commanding statement. When we first saw it, we immediately thought it was the work of Monica Silva of Santo Domingo Pueblo. The rim and the deep black paint are hallmarks of her style, and others have also suggested she is likely to be the maker.  Monica Silva is recognized as one of the best of the early 20th century potters at Santo Domingo Pueblo. She was active in the 1920s to 1940s. Her work is very recognizable; for example, her dough bowls have a very distinctive shape. They have high shoulders that roll inward about an inch and end in a short neck. Her designs are very bold and executed in strong black guaco paint.

The upper design, positioned around the neck, frames the shoulder and adds a feeling of power and subtle intensity to the piece.  The overall effect of this design is one of strength and energy, enhanced by its presence on such a large, masterfully crafted jar. There are signs that the jar was used for storage over time, with some wear evident on the interior red slip and minor conservation on the exterior lower body.

Silva was born around 1900 and raised at Santa Clara Pueblo. She lived there until she married Santiago Lovato of Santo Domingo Pueblo and moved to his pueblo. She taught and popularized blackware pottery at Santo Domingo and learned to make traditional Santo Domingo pottery. She remained at Santo Domingo for the remainder of her life.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Monica Silva Santo Domingo Pueblo Pottery Storage Jar is from the estate of a resident of Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: A RIVER APART, The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos, Edited by Valerie K. Verzuh, Foreword by Shelby Tisdale, Essays by Bruce Bernstein, J. J. Brody, Antonio Chavarria, Chip Colwell-Chanthaphonh, Mateo Romero, and Valerie K. Verzuh. Published in association with the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe, NM.

TAGS: Santo Domingo Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, Monica Silva