Adobe Gallery Blog

Subject: San Felipe Pueblo Large Polychrome Olla

Category: Pottery | Posted by Todd | Sat, Jun 1st 2013, 4:36pm

Joseph Latoma is a young man who lives at San Felipe Pueblo. His dad is from Zuni Pueblo-thus the reason for his Zuni name-but his mom is Margaret Chavez of San Felipe Pueblo-thus his matriarchal link to San Felipe Pueblo.

Because there is so little documented historic pottery from San Felipe, Latoma has had to create his designs from memories of the older generation of the pueblo. He is very interested in reintroducing traditional San Felipe pottery. The only older potter from there in the last 50 years was Candelaria Montana and she passed away about 20 years ago.

This very large olla was made in the traditional pueblo coil method and slipped with natural regional clay. The designs are a combination of geometric, avian, flora and celestial, all arranged in a most artistic and logical manner. The artist applied the designs in a most precise manner. To protect the design from fire clouds during the firing process, he completely covered the jar with another ceramic jar during the firing. The result is a stunning jar without flaws.

Condition: new condition
Provenance: from the artist


Subject: San Felipe Pueblo Large Polychrome Olla
Artist / Potter: Joseph Latoma
Category: Contemporary
Origin: San Felipe Pueblo
Medium: clay, pigments
Size: 13-3/4" tall x 16" diameter
Item # 25553

Joseph Latoma is a young man who lives at San Felipe Pueblo.  His dad is from Zuni Pueblo—thus the reason for his Zuni name—but his mom is Margaret Chavez of San Felipe Pueblo—thus his matriarchal link to San Felipe Pueblo.   Because there is so little documented historic pottery from San Felipe, Latoma has had to create his designs from memories of the older generation of the pueblo.  He is very interested in reintroducing traditional San Felipe pottery.  The only older potter from there in the last 50 years was Candelaria Montana and she passed away about 20 years ago.    This very large olla was made in the traditional pueblo coil method and slipped with natural regional clay.  The designs are a combination of geometric, avian, flora and celestial, all arranged in a most artistic and logical manner.  The artist applied the designs in a most precise manner.  To protect the design from fire clouds during the firing process, he completely covered the jar with another ceramic jar during the firing.  The result is a stunning jar without flaws.   Condition: new condition Provenance:  from the artist