Black-on-White Historic OLLA from Acoma Pueblo [SOLD]

This remarkable historic pottery OLLA, or water jar, was made by an Acoma Pueblo potter during the early 1900s. A similar OLLA appears on Plate 28 of Francis H. Harlow's Two Hundred Years of Historic Pueblo Pottery: The Gallegos Collection. The similarities between the two pieces are so striking that we are almost certain they were made by the same potter. Unfortunately, we are unable to identify her.

The vessel itself is appealing; it was clearly made by skilled and experienced hands. It's slightly larger than the typical OLLA, which enhances the impact of the piece. Its shoulder is gently rounded, its taller-than-usual neck nearly reaches a vertical plane. It is gently and beautifully patinated from years of handling, which enhances the appeal immeasurably.

The painted designs on the exterior will likely appeal to many. As Harlow notes in his description of the similar OLLA, the design elements seen here are adapted from prehistoric pottery. The primary element, which he calls a "stepped-key figure with triangular eyes," circles the OLLA's exterior in two horizontal bands, with one above the shoulder and one below. A band of curved triangular elements separates the two larger bands. There is nothing groundbreaking about these designs, but the manner in which they were executed deserves praise—they're stylish, graceful and full of character.

While the potter is undoubtedly no longer living and her identity will likely remain unknown, the fruits of her skill and creativity continue to make an impression. One would have to stretch one's imagination to find an area in which this OLLA could be improved.

Condition: excellent condition, light wear from handling

Provenance: this Black-on-White Historic OLLA from Acoma Pueblo is from a private collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Reference: Francis H. Harlow, Two Hundred Years of Historic Pueblo Pottery: The Gallegos Collection

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery