Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo Small Storage Jar [R]

This small polychrome storage jar, circa 1940, with the traditional rag-wiped bentonite slip, black rim around the top rolling over the edge, and black double framing lines separating the base from the white slip is decorated in extremely bold design elements, which appear to float on the surface. The interior neck has been rag wiped with a red slip as has the underbody.

Jars with similar designs have been attributed to Ignacita Suina who is credited with creating them circa 1920-1930.  Apparently, Santo Domingo potter Monica Silva created a design somewhat similar in the 1930s or 1940s, and it has been associated with her since that time. 

Monica Silva is recognized as one of the best of the early 20th century potters at Santo Domingo Pueblo. She was active in the 1920s to 1940s. Her work is very recognizable; for example, 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.

She was actually born around 1900 and raised at Santa Clara Pueblo and lived there until she married Santiago Lovato of Santo Domingo 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.  She is considered one of the best potters at Santo Domingo in the early 1900s.

Condition: Structurally, the jar is in very good condition.  There is some loss of slip, probably from the jar having been used as a water storage container.

Provenance: from the collection of a resident of Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin