Carmelita Dunlap San Ildefonso Pueblo Black Feather Jar [SOLD]

This San Ildefonso Pueblo blackware feather jar by artist Carmelita Dunlap absolutely jumps out at the viewer. On the upper portion of the jar, the artist meticulously brightened with a steady hand—using vertical strokes that just slightly lean to one side. The polishing has been done in a way that, when turned in the hand, looks like rays of sun shining down onto the vessel.  The effect is a rather magical refraction of light, which it finds in any setting. 

Substantial and strong, Carmelita’s expertise formed this jar.  Potentially inspired by an autumn or summer gourd, the shape is elemental and fits quite naturally in two hands.  Brought to a finer point at the opening the jar’s thickness increases as it reaches down toward its base.  This creates a considerable and durable all-over weight with the visual of a more thin-walled piece. 

Although the shoulders are closer to the mid-band of this jar, the way it has been decorated in matte gives the illusion of a larger and more sweeping upper portion.  Matte black has been used to outline Carmelita’s version of the historic Mimbres feather design circling the top of the jar.  The feathers break in one place to make room for three downward-facing triangles which grow in size as they descend. The bottom is painted with inventive and crisp lines, shapes, and inferred movement between them. 

Although this jar is in particularly pristine condition, if one looks closely enough, a singular thumb indentation is hidden beneath a matte triangle just near the base.  Elements such as these are a wonderful surprise, especially with a piece as perfect as this one.  A thumb indentation is a sure reminder of the humanity behind its spectacular creation. 

Carmelita Dunlap (1925-1999) was the daughter of Juanita and Romando Vigil of San Ildefonso Pueblo.  Her mother passed away when Carmelita was very young and her mother’s two sisters, Maria Martinez and Desideria Montoya, raised her.  She took turns staying with Maria for a few months and then with Desideria for a few months.  She learned to make Southwest Indian pottery by watching Maria and Desideria at work. 

Carmelita lived in California in the early 1950s while her dad worked for Walt Disney Studios.  In 1955, she moved back to San Ildefonso and began seriously focusing on pottery.  In 1974, she was one of the pueblo potters invited by President and Mrs. Nixon to visit the White House and one of her large pots was displayed at that time at the Smithsonian Institution.

Condition: This blackware jar is in pristine condition.  

Provenance: This Carmelita Dunlap San Ildefonso Pueblo Black Feather Jar is from a private collection.

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Pottery, Romando Vigil, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Desideria Montoya, Maria Martinez, Carlos, Blue Corn, Carmelita Dunlap, San Ildefonso Pueblo Potter