Polychrome Storage Jar [R]

This exceptional storage jar was made at Tesuque around 1890. This rounded shape and the larger size are traits of a storage jar rather than an olla. Clay, temper, slip and technique give this jar those characteristics that point exclusively to Tesuque as the place of origin. In traditional style, the jar is basically black on cream but gets its polychrome designation because of the red rim and red band below the decorated panel.

The design elements are uniquely Tesuque in nature. Each element is a free-floating one, not attached to the upper or lower pairs of framing lines. Even the cloud-like elements at the neck are each individual units, not attached in chain-like fashion. The pairs of double framing lines do not have ceremonial breaks in true fashion to tradition at Tesuque.

The jar has had some professional over-paint applied in areas where there was water damage. There was no vessel damage, just the need for minor over-paint. Documentation of the condition before over-painting is available.