Tesuque Pueblo Turn of the Century Rain God Clay Figurine [SOLD]

This is one of the most beautifully decorated Rain God figurines of the period.  The rust red and black designs on the cheeks, the elaborate necklace and the designs on the pottery are all exquisitely executed.   The darkness of the figurine contrasts beautifully with the brightness of the painted designs. 

This Tesuque Pueblo figurine is typical of the style made in the early 1900s.  The figurine was covered in cream slip over which the elaborate design was painted in black and red vegetal and mineral paints.  The figurine has sculpted hair painted black and holds a decorated jar on his lap.  The painted designs are typical of the early 1900s figurines.  This is one of the more elaborately painted rain gods which makes one suspect it is one of the earlier ones before demand increased so significantly that potters began producing faster and decorating less.

This figurine and our Item #25621 certainly were made at the same time and by the same potter.  Here is a link to the other Rain God:

Tesuque Pueblo Polychrome Rain God Figurine (click here to view it now)

What a great pair they make sitting side-by-side!

Item # 25621

Item # 25622

Condition: one foot is missing and there is an abrasion on the right shoulder.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Taos, NM whose grandfather owned a curio store near the plaza.

Reference and Recommended Reading: The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico by Jonathan Batkin