Adobe Gallery Blog

We originally purchased this small bowl in 2005 from Dominguita Aguilar, a Santo Domingo resident with whom we have been friends for a long time. She told us that this was made by Peringrina Aguilar, her mother. I have not been able to find any published reference to this potter, so I do not know what period she worked. The bowl is signed with the initials P.A.N. and S.D.P. (Santo Domingo Pueblo) and a corn stalk image.

This is a fine Santo Domingo small bowl that follows the pueblo's traditions in every aspect of materials, construction and design. The main body is decorated in black vegetal paint and red mineral paint over the cream-colored rag-wiped bentonite slip.

The design consists of rectangular boxes in which a mirror image design is discernible. If one starts with the black-stacked triangles as the center of the design, then the remaining design mirrors outward from there. Double framing lines near the underbody are penetrated by a traditional ceremonial break that goes through the entire design element. A black rim, with a ceremonial break, and red underbody complete the design.

Condition: original condition
Provenance: purchased from Dominguita Aguilar in 2005
      ex coll Jeffrey Trent of Nevada
Recommended Reading: A River Apart: the Pottery of Cochiti and Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie K. Verzuh

Title: Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo Small Polychrome Bowl
Artist / Potter: Peringrina Aguilar
Category: Contemporary
Origin: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo)
Medium: clay, pigment
Size: 2-1/2" deep x 4-7/8" diameter
Item # C3310U