Acoma Pueblo Pottery Bowl with Monochromatic Designs c.1870

This Acoma Pueblo bowl, dating to around 1870, is a beautifully formed vessel that exemplifies both artistic vision and utilitarian function. The shape is exceptional and somewhat unusual, featuring a high shoulder that tapers inward to a finely painted rim, all resting on a small base coated in red slip. The surface has been hand-polished, with areas of gentle wear that speak to its use over time.

The interior shows considerable wear, indicating that this bowl likely saw regular use in a domestic setting. The monochromatic design on the outside consists of four repeating sets of raincloud and stepped motifs arranged on a diagonal axis, creating a sense of dynamic rotation around the bowl. These patterns, while traditionally interpreted as rain clouds, seem to push the boundary of abstraction. Their placement and form evoke the possibility of winged creatures such as moths or dragonflies, suggesting that the potter may have exercised a bit of creative license.

This subtle ambiguity, where design elements hint at both natural symbolism and artistic exploration, makes the piece especially compelling. It reminds us that historic Pueblo pottery can carry meaning that resists easy interpretation and offers a window into a worldview rich with layered metaphor.

Condition: very good with a short hairline crack that has been professionally stabilized and is barely noticeable

Provenance: This Acoma Pueblo Pottery Bowl with Monochromatic Designs c.1870 is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo, Figure 26.10, page 532. Francis Harlow and Dwight Lanmon

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery