Acoma Pueblo Black-on-white Indigenous Used Bowl, c.1915

An Enigmatic Acoma Bowl (Circa 1915)

This intriguing bowl from Acoma Pueblo, dating to circa 1915, is an exquisite enigma. Made with traditional Acoma white clay and potshard temper, and painted with black pigment, the vessel carries a fascinating, visible history. Several small, half-inch cracks along the rim, likely incurred during the drying process, were traditionally sealed with piñon pitch.

The Discovery of Green Pigment

The bowl's history took an interesting turn when acquired by the current owner. The interior had been completely obscured by white paint. After careful removal of the paint with Acetone, a startling discovery was made: the entire interior of the bowl was fully covered with a green pigment. This green pigment also appeared selectively on the spiral volutes of the exterior design. It is highly likely the source of this green color was evergreen bough pigment. The reason for treating the bowl with green pigment is not known.

Creative and Complex Exterior Design

The exterior design is both creative and beautifully complex. A wide band zigzags around the body, framing a pattern of sinusoidal waves. At the angle change points of the band are squares filled with five smaller, fine-lined squares.

Within the V-sections created by the zigzag band, two distinct motifs hover: back-to-back white floral leaves over fine-line triangles, and, hovering underneath the wider sections, spiral volutes and separate rain cloud designs. Notably, all four of the spirals are meticulously covered with the same green pigment found on the bowl's interior, linking the external and internal designs.

This bowl is a remarkable work of art, originating from the mind of a talented, unnamed potter. The complex blend of bars, curves, spirals, ovals, and triangles works together beautifully, making this vessel a visually stunning and historically rich piece that deserves our praise and admiration.

Condition: very good condition with piñon rim repairs

Provenance: this Acoma Pueblo Black-on-white Indigenous Used Bowl, c.1915 is from the collection of a client of the gallery

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo by Lanmon and Harlow