Monica Silva is recognized as one of the best of the early 20^th century potters at Santo Domingo Pueblo. She was active in the 1920s to 1940s. Her dough bowls have a very distinctive shape. They have high shoulders that roll inward about an inch and end in a short neck. Her designs are very bold and executed in strong black guaco paint.

Silva was born and raised at Santa Clara Pueblo and lived there until she married Santiago Lovato of Santo Domingo Pueblo and moved to his pueblo. She taught and popularized blackware pottery at Santo Domingo and learned to make traditional Santo Domingo pottery. She remained at Santo Domingo for the remainder of her life.

This bowl does not indicate extended use at the pueblo before entering the collector’s market. It is in very good condition.

Provenance: From the estate of Transcendental artist Florence Pierce of Albuquerque who passed away in 2007 at the age of 89.