Polacca Polychrome Jar from the Hopi Mesas [SOLD]

Polacca pottery style began around 1740. It did not fully become the predominant type at Hopi until about 1800, and it continued until about 1890. Polacca wares were the predominant utilitarian wares of this time period. This small jar is typical of Polacca Polychrome, Style C, which existed in the late 1800s. It most likely was not made for use in a pueblo home but was intended to be sold to a merchant or tourist.

The designs on the exterior of this jar are most interesting. The main body design consists of stepped elements from the lower to the upper framing line.  There is a pair of steps in each element.  The upper one is dark red with brown outlining and the lower one is brown.  In one of the designs, there are three steps, the third one being red.  Between the step designs are pairs of ➕ signs or X signs, alternating in red and brown.  There is a single plus sign between one pair of steps.  

What is generally considered to be Zuni Pueblo designs were quite prevalent on Polacca vessels. In this jar, the dark red, outlined in black, triangles just below the neck are typical of Zuni Pueblo.  The jar has a red rim, with the red continuing on down inside about a half inch.  The underbody is red.  The yellow slip shows beautiful crackling as is typical of Polacca wares.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Polacca Polychrome Jar from the Hopi Mesas is from a client from San Diego

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Edwin L. Wade and Allan Cooke