Kewa Pueblo Historic Polychrome Pottery Storage Jar

Santo Domingo Polychrome Vessel: A Fusion of Fauna and Flora

This historic pottery vessel, larger than traditional water jars, aligns more with the shape of a storage jar, hence its designation. It showcases the classic characteristics of Santo Domingo Polychrome typology, and we estimate that it was made around 1900-1920. This estimation is based on the stone-polished red band beneath the design field and the identical one inside the neck.

The vessel’s cream, off-white field is a rag-wiped bentonite slip adorned with black vegetal and red slip designs. A framing line graces the rim, with a pair located below the design elements. Ceremonial breaks are present in all the framing lines, though they occur at different points.

The body of the jar features two primary elements—fauna and flora, which are common design elements in Santo Domingo pottery. Three large birds are depicted around the mid-body of the jar, interspersed with elaborate floral designs—large flowers on stems with leaves.

The flower petals and stems are painted black without any red outlining, while the leaves are painted in red and black, outlined in black. Over time, the cream slip has matured into a warm eggshell color.

Provenance: from a private Santa Fe collection

Condition: this Kewa Pueblo Historic Polychrome Pottery Storage Jar is in wonderful condition. A few minor nicks at the rim are evident. UV examination of the jar does not reveal any repair or restoration of any sort.

Recommended Reading: A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie Verzuh, et al.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Kewa - Santo Domingo Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Ceremonial breaks