Special Value Offer: Traditional Tewa Historic Water Jar [SOLD]

Special Value Offer: The consignor has suggested we offer this jar at $1000 less than the previous posted price. It was $4500 and is now $3500.

The shape of this vessel is very traditional to the Tewa pueblos, particularly San Ildefonso. It has a very aggressive swell at mid-section, a graceful neck and a flared-out rim. It displays the typical tan Tewa paste with volcanic ash and white stone fragments as temper.

The entire upper part of the vessel has had an application of Cochiti rag-wiped slip. This and the red band at the lower end of the slip are indicative of a piece dating to after 1905, however the red rim is indicative of pre-1900 San Ildefonso Polychrome wares. Substituting a black rim for the traditional red rim occurred between 1895 and 1910, therefore this jar likely dates to the 1905-1910 period.

The jar was most likely made by an older potter.  The jar was well built which an older potter could produce with her eyes closed after so many decades of practice, however, the application of the painted design is somewhat loose and erratic.  The black triangles around the rim vary in shape, thickness and arrangement, an indication that she had probably lost her fine control with the paint brush.

It is for these reasons that this jar is such a wonderful example for one to study.  The effort put into making the jar either for her own use or for possible sale is at the heart of its charm.  There have only been about 8 potters of that period who have been identified and it is quite likely that a relative of the one who made this one could identify it.  The orange polka dots are unique and probably were used by a single potter or potters of a single family.

It is really not necessary to know who made a historic jar such as this.  It is only necessary to appreciate how much labor the potter put into producing it and how proud she would have been to have someone select her jar to purchase, which, obviously, someone did.

Condition: very good structural condition

Recommended Reading: Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians 1600-1880 by Larry Frank, et al.

Provenance: from a gentleman from Scottsdale, Arizona