Polychrome & Black-on-red San Ildefonso Terrace Bowl, circa 1910 [A]

This most unusual ceremonial-type terraced-rim bowl is decorated on the interior in traditional San Ildefonso Polychrome and on the exterior in traditional San Ildefonso Black-on-red. The two potters most famous for this dual-style painting were Maria Martinez and Tonita Roybal. There is no way to specify which might have made this bowl but it most certainly would have been one of the two.

This vessel displays the typical tan Tewa paste with volcanic ash and white stone fragments as temper. The traditional features of San Ildefonso ceramics are present, including a red rim top. The native, Cochiti white slip was rag wiped and vegetal and mineral paints were used to decorate the interior and the handle. The exterior was slipped in traditional red slip and decorated with vegetal black designs.

This style vessel is traditionally used in the home as a receptacle for sacred corn meal. It does not appear that this one was used; rather it was most probably sold before use. It is in excellent condition.

A unique feature of the design on the interior is that it becomes a butterfly when viewed from the top looking down on the bowl. Whether this was a deliberate act by the potter is speculation.