Globular Oversized Polychrome Olla [SOLD]

In pottery, one is faced by the problem of symbolism. How much is truly symbolic and meaningful to the artist and how much was designed to be purely aesthetic. The answer is probably some of both. The potter, as artisan, incorporates some meaningful aspects of her spiritual life in a design simply because the pueblo peoples practice their religion as part of their daily existence. Whether in dance or ceremonial, or in food preparation, or caring for children, all their daily life incorporate religion.

Of course, they are conscious of their symbols, but their whole life is charged with symbols, from which, inevitably they draw their aesthetic patterns; the significance is quite different from what it would be for us, who use true symbols only with specific intent.

The design on this jar is built around repetition and singularity. The decoration surrounding the rim, neck and shoulder consist of singular items repeated around the circumference of the jar. The design of the main body of the vessel is comprised of single decorative elements suspended in space and allowed to float on the surface. Do the designs have symbolic meaning? We may never know.

We should and we must study the jar as a whole, not as individual design elements from which we seek meaning. The jar is to be appreciated as a work of art, not a work of hieroglyphics. The intent of the artisan was taken away when she departed. The beauty of her work remains for us to enjoy and for future generations to enjoy.