Acoma Pueblo Fine Line and Pictorial Pottery Jar with Depressed Design Rim by Juana Leno [SOLD]

Acoma Pueblo artist Juana Leno successfully combined three decorative concepts into this pottery jar.  Basically, the design is her familiar and excellent fine line star pattern, with four circular inserts in which she painted colorful parrots. On the top of the jar, she used a triangular-shaped instrument to impress into the clay.            

Although it's not as widely known as Lucy Lewis' work, the pottery made by Juana Leno is some of the finest ever produced at Acoma Pueblo.  This pottery jar was completed in a style which both of these potters explored frequently: a fine line design, with rows of parallel lines intersecting with one another.  Their intersections form diamonds and kite-shaped four-sided geometrics. These figures arrange themselves around center points, forming images that could be flowers or stars.  One should note that an enormous amount of skill is required to successfully execute such a complex design. Leno handled this one beautifully.

Juana Leno rolled the rim over to an almost flat surface and on it she impressed small triangles side by side in four stacked rows.  The bottom, which is signed “Leno, Acoma N.Mex.”, is exposed white clay. Its shape is similar to that of a made-for-use “tinaja” (or “water jar”) but smaller.  Leno and Lewis produced many jars in this style, and we are always happy to see that collectors continue to appreciate their fine work.

Juana Leno (1917-2000) Syo-ee-mee (Turquoise)—formerly Juana Louis Vallo—was one of the finest potters of the 20th century at Acoma Pueblo. She quietly worked every day producing extraordinary pottery without seeking acclaim. She was a wonderful woman and very modest about her talent to produce such fine pieces. She may not have achieved the fame she was due, but it was not because of the lack of quality in her work, but because she chose to remain quietly at home and not seek fame.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from a gentleman from New Mexico

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Juana Leno