Pre-Columbian El Paso Black-on-red Jar [SOLD]

There is much to learn about the cultures of the Greater Southwest—a very large area of what is now the North American Southwest and the Northern Mexico Southwest—areas that were once one and not divided by state borders or country boundaries.  In the mid- to late-1300s, it was all one indistinguishable land mass peopled by prehistoric cultures.  Some have defined the Greater Southwest as extending from Durango, Colorado, to Durango, Mexico.

Out of this area, presumably near El Paso, Texas, emerged this Black-on-red jar from around 1400AD.  It appears better made than some of the earlier (1250AD) pottery from the pueblo of Paquimé.  There was much migration and intermingling and trading among the residents of today's Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico, to the point where influences from one tribe can be seen in another's.

It is unclear exactly where or when this exquisite El Paso Black-on-red jar was made but it falls in the 15^th century Greater Southwest and has been classified by archaeologists as El Paso Black-on-red typology.  It appears similar to pottery from the White Mountains of Arizona.  The crossover influence is certainly feasible.

Condition:  very good condition with some expected minor abrasion and one rim chip

Provenance: from the Katherine H. Rust collection

Recommended Reading: Secrets of Casas Grandes by Melissa Powell