Acoma Pueblo Black-on-white Small Bowl [SOLD]

Travelers to New Mexico who have been to Acoma Pueblo are familiar with the original village atop the mesa known today as Sky City.  It was on top of that mesa in 1898 that Lucy Martin Lewis was born and it was there that she grew up without the benefit of going to school.  It was there also that she was struck by lightning in the 1960s.  There was little hope that she would ever work again, but with perseverance she regained her muscle strength and went on to become one of the most recognized potters at Acoma Pueblo.

Famous photographer Laura Gilpin took Lucy Lewis to Santa Fe in 1958 to meet Dr. Kenneth Chapman, then the director of the New Mexico Museum.  Chapman has been an influence on Maria and Julian Martinez in the 1920s.  Now he would influence Lucy Lewis by showing her examples of ancient pottery that were her heritage.  Lewis adopted many of these designs and used them throughout her life.

This stark strong black painted jar featuring black triangles on white slip derives from ancient pottery.  One can look at the jar and see a design of black on white or conversely see white designs on black.  It is a beautifully painted jar over a polished background slip.  The interior is painted white and left without polish.  A black rim completes the design.  The jar is signed Lucy M Lewis, Acoma NM on the underside.

Condition:  original condition

Provenance: from an Albuquerque family

Recommenced Reading:  Lucy M. Lewis American Indian Potter by Susan Peterson