Santa Clara Pueblo Historic Traditional Tewa Shape Jar [SOLD]

Occasionally we see a pottery jar that requires us to contemplate its original source. This jar caused us to reflect whether it originated at Santa Clara or Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, as it has characteristics of both styles. We settled on Santa Clara Pueblo, as the vessel shape is much more traditional to Santa Clara historic jars than those from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo: as is the fluted rim. The lack of slip on the underside is typical of jars from Ohkay Owingeh.

This beautifully burnished black jar is an outstanding example of the finest work of an accomplished potter. The small base on which the jar sits, followed by an extremely expanding lower body, a short neck ending in a flared rim, and the fluted rim immediately recall potters Sara Fina Tafoya and Margaret Tafoya. Since there may have been other potters of equal talent at the time, we are refraining from making an attribution. As this is an OLLA, or water jar, the fluted rim could symbolize rain clouds. Symbolically, the rain would fall from the clouds and hit the shoulder of the vessel.

The excessively wide mid body provides a commanding display of elegance and power. The short neck adds to the strength of the body width. Lack of painted or impressed designs forces one to concentrate on the strong vessel shape. The walls of the jar are beautifully thin, providing strong evidence of an accomplished potter. It has been suggested that the fluted rim represents rain clouds.

Santa Clara Pueblo potters were masters of form during the late 1800s and early 1900s. This late 1800s vessel shape continued into the twentieth century but has now been replaced with a variety of shapes and finishes that are intended to appeal to collectors, but this classic shape still holds its own.

This is a stunning jar with a monumental presence. Perhaps we think such a jar as this was made solely for sale to a collector, however many historic photographs illustrate clearly that water jars were made for use and not just for beauty. Many famous photographers left us ample evidence of pueblo women at a watering hole filling up their jars for transport back to their homes. We need to be reminded that blackware items of this style were just as functional as painted pottery from other pueblos. Blackware existed as a functional object long before it became a highly polished art object.

Condition: very good condition with very minor rim nicks

Provenance: this Santa Clara Pueblo Historic Traditional Tewa Shape Jar is from the collection of a client from California

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

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, utilitarian vessels