Adobe Gallery Blog

This Acoma olla dates to circa 1940s, and is a superb example of a potter's art. As all traditional pottery of that time period, this olla was formed of native clay with ground pottery shard temper, rag-wiped white slip, red neck interior, and red-slipped underbody with concave base, typical of Acoma pottery.

The high point of maximum diameter, design elements, execution and a shorter neck are indicative of vessels of this time period. The artist chose not to divide the design field into distinct areas separated by division lines; rather, she chose to use the full field to express a single artistic concept.

The rim top and dual framing lines are worked in black paint from a mineral source, which is really dark brown, and are without ceremonial breaks. The fine line and geometric/curvilinear elements are mineral black on rag-wiped white slip, with additional embellishments in typical orange.

There are two main elements of design incorporating the full extent of the jar. One element, on opposing sides of the jar, is a large diamond from rim to lower framing line and from mid-body extending to the adjacent design elements, which, also on opposing sides, are comprised of absolutely exquisite all-black triangles, fine lines, and curvilinear elements. The diamond elements are split down their centers with a band of fine-line triangles alternating left and right. Within the triangles to the left and right of this split are strong black elements and orange triangles.

The all black-on-white sections of the design are graceful in their emphasis on the four long curving lines of solid black with appended black triangles and fine line cloud-like elements. Overall, the jar is beautifully decorated in any position it is viewed. The painting is evidence of an outstanding potter.

Condition: The integrity of the vessel is excellent. There is a slope to the upper rim of the jar but that is the manner in which the potter constructed the vessel.
Provenance: from the estate of Reggie Sawyer, the Hanging Tree Gallery, Albuquerque
Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo by Lanmon and Harlow

Subject: Historic Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Olla, circa 1940s
Category: Historic
Origin: Acoma Pueblo
Medium: clay, pigment
Size: 9-3/4" tall x 11" diameter
Item # C3385B