Acoma Pueblo Historic Polychrome OLLA, circa 1940s

This extraordinary and historic Acoma OLLA, or water jar, from the 1940s is a quintessential example of Acoma Pueblo pottery. Unsigned yet remarkable, this piece showcases the highly unique designs for which Acoma pottery is renowned. The thin-walled jar features intricate motifs all around, demonstrating the skilled craftsmanship of its maker. A subtle yet sublime characteristic of this jar is the placement of four diamond windows, which, when joined, create repeating X patterns around the surface.

A hallmark of Acoma pottery is the practice of grinding up shards from old vessels and integrating them into new pieces. This tradition not only honors their ancestors but also imbues each new jar with a tangible connection to the past, making it a living piece of history. This particular polychrome jar is a stunning example, featuring black, brown, and orange designs that create a visually striking and culturally rich artifact.

This historic pottery jar is marked on the bottom with Acoma, N. Mex. Although there are abrasions to the orange lower body, these minor imperfections do not detract from the overall beauty and historical significance of this extraordinary OLLA.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Acoma Pueblo Historic Polychrome OLLA, circa 1940s is from a New Mexico collector

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery