Polychrome Wedding Vase by Carmelita Dunlap

This large polychrome wedding vase by Carmelita Dunlap features a graceful ovoid space connecting two elegant necks. Crafted from polished light tan clay, its surface is adorned with intricate brown and black designs. The artistry includes motifs of eagle tracks, symbolizing strength and freedom, rain clouds, representing blessings and abundance, and mountains, conveying stability and endurance. Each element was meticulously hand-painted, showcasing Dunlap's mastery in traditional pottery techniques and her deep connection to cultural symbolism. Signed Carmelita Dunlap San Ildefonso on the bottom.

In pueblo pottery, the traditional wedding vase shape holds significant cultural meaning. It typically features two spouts joined by a central handle, symbolizing the union of two lives in marriage. One spout represents the husband and the other the wife, while the handle signifies the unity and shared life journey. This design is not only a testament to the potter's skill but also a vessel of cultural expression and storytelling.

Carmelita Dunlap (1925-1999) was a distinguished potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, known for her exceptional polychrome pottery. Alongside her son Carlos and fellow potter Blue Corn, Carmelita stood out in an era when most San Ildefonso potters were primarily producing blackware. She played a crucial role in preserving and advancing the tradition of polychrome pottery, a legacy carried on by her three daughters, all of whom are accomplished potters.

Carmelita was the daughter of Juanita and Romando Vigil. After her mother passed away when she was very young, Carmelita was raised by her mother's sisters, Maria Martinez and Desideria Montoya, both renowned potters. She spent alternating periods living with Maria and Desideria, absorbing the art of pottery by observing their meticulous work.

In the early 1950s, Carmelita lived in California while her father worked for Walt Disney Studios. In 1955, she returned to San Ildefonso and dedicated herself to pottery with renewed focus and passion. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her national recognition. In 1974, she was among the pueblo potters invited to the White House by President and Mrs. Nixon, and one of her large pots was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. 

Carmelita Dunlap's legacy is marked by her contributions to the art of Southwest Indian pottery and her commitment to preserving and enhancing the tradition of polychrome pottery at San Ildefonso Pueblo.

Condition: good condition

Provenance: this Polychrome Wedding Vase by Carmelita Dunlap is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Romando Vigil, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Desideria Montoya, Maria Martinez, Carlos Dunlap, Blue Corn, Carmelita Dunlap