Polychrome Acoma Jar with Heartline Deer by Sarah Garcia [SOLD]

This polychrome jar was made by Sarah Garcia, an Acoma Pueblo artist. The vessel's form is a strong execution of a common Acoma shape, with a shoulder that curves inward just a bit more quickly than the typical example. It is well balanced, with a slightly concave base.

Garcia's design work is simple and strong. Four wonderful heartline deer appear, evenly spaced around the jar's exterior. Four black lines circle the rim. There are no additional elements, which was a wise decision—the polished white slip looks beautiful on its own, with appealing texture and tone offering much to the viewer.  She even stone-polished the interior of this jar (see below).

What is a Heartline? The heartline is used primarily by Zuni Pueblo potters and can be seen in many animals—usually a deer (heartline deer). The line from the mouth to the heart signifies the "breath of life."

The bottom of the jar is signed Sarah Garcia, Acoma, N.M.

Sarah Garcia (1928 - 2015) was born of a Laguna Pueblo mother (Maria Trujillo) but spent her adult life as an Acoma Pueblo potter—probably one of the most prolific potters at the pueblo. She, along with Jessie Garcia, Lucy M. Lewis, and Marie Z. Chino, was largely responsible for the revival of Anasazi and Tularosa designs on contemporary Acoma wares. Sarah's daughter Goldie Hayah is now carrying on the tradition.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Polychrome Acoma Jar with Heartline Deer by Sarah Garcia is from a private Midwest personal collection

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

TAGS: Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, Jessie Garcia, Lucy M. Lewis, Marie Z. Chino, Goldie Hayah, Southwest Indian Pottery, Anasazi and Tularosa, Sarah Garcia