San Ildefonso19th Century Tewa Polychrome Olla [SOLD]

This is a typical late nineteenth century Tewa vessel-shaped water jar. The rounded, globular body is typical of the period. The red rim slip was typical in the late nineteenth century but was replaced by black in the early twentieth century. Other features of pre-1900 vessels include the red underbody band and an unslipped, polished base.

The precise painting of the design is evidence of an outstanding potter and painter. There are documented vessels in the School for Advanced Research (SAR) by this potter. Maria Martinez identified them in 1947 as the work of Marianita Roybal.

The globular shape of this vessel is identical to those in SAR, but even more telling are the large black elements that resemble cloud formations on the body of the jar. They are identical to the cloud elements on the neck of one of the SAR vessels.

According to Jonathan Batkin, Marianita is the earliest potter identified by name. He states that she was an important potter until at least 1910. She was identified and listed in the 1850 U. S. Census Report. Maria Martinez knew her and told Kenneth Chapman in 1947 that her sister Maximiliana (Anna) and her husband Crescencio painted some of Marianita’s pottery.

Reference: “Three Great Potters of San Ildefonso and Their Legacy” by Jonathan Batkin. American Indian Art Magazine, Vol. 16, No. 4, 1991.