Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Small Polychrome Dish with Katsina Image [SOLD]

In 1930 Regina Cata organized a pottery study group at San Juan Pueblo (Ohkay Owingeh) with the intent of revitalizing pottery production. The group studied ancient potsherds of wares made at San Juan Pueblo in earlier times and selected Potsuwi’i Incised Ware (1450-1500) as a basis for a contemporary pottery type. By the 1950s, further development resulted in deep carved polychrome wares, which are still being produced today.

On this type, the rim zones and underbodies are highly polished red while the main body of the vessel remains matte. The design is carved and painted in the main body zone. In this dish, the main body design of a Katsina is very lightly carved into the body surface. The painted design, in red and white, was laid over a tan field, and then the designs were outlined in white or red. The underside is stone-polished red.