Santa Clara Pueblo Black Medium Storage Jar [SOLD]

This medium-sized storage jar of Tewa origin could have been made at Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Tesuque or even Nambe, but most likely it originated at Santa Clara Pueblo around the 1880s decade.

There are several features that could be pointed out to substantiate any one of the above pueblos as the origin. The black polished slip covers the entire body of the vessel as is typical of Santa Clara Pueblo, the concave neck is so very typical of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, and the ripples in the polished surface are typical of Tesuque Pueblo.

Overall, however, it appears most likely that it originated at Santa Clara Pueblo. I point out the likelihood of various pueblos as possible origins only for the sake of discussion. It is important to note that pueblos in close proximity as are the Tewa Pueblos of northern New Mexico produced pottery similar to each other, sometimes with one or more traits that could be used to attribute it more specifically to one of the pueblos. We cannot always be sure of the origin of blackware of this style as all of the Tewa Pueblos produced it.

Condition: The jar is in remarkable condition. There are no obvious faults.

Provenance: Property of Ranchos de Taos resident.