San Ildefonso Pueblo Double Chamber Pottery Vessel [SOLD]

Double-chamber vessels, like this one, have surfaced from prehistoric and pre-Columbian excavations but their purpose does not seem to have been explained. They do not appear to be paint pots as there never are paint remnants on any we have seen. They are a most interesting concept and are quite appealing.

Recently, however, Dr. Bruce Bernstein commented that they are women's ceremonial vessels. (Personal conversation) Presumably, they are containers for sacred corn meal for use in various ceremonial functions performed or attended by women of the pueblo. We are pleased to have this information.

This one is from San Ildefonso and has the Cochiti bentonite slip and a variety of decorations. The umbilical cord is solid so each chamber is independent of the other.

Condition:  this San Ildefonso Pueblo Double Chamber Pottery Vessel is in very good condition with some fading of the paint

Provenance: this San Ildefonso Double Chamber Vessel is from a private collection

Recommended Reading:  Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Historic Pottery