Acoma Pueblo Magnificent Rainbow Jar

The Evolution of Acoma Pueblo Pottery

In the period leading up to 1900, Acoma Pueblo potters embarked on a creative journey, introducing entirely new designs on their pottery, diverging from traditional motifs. This innovation might have been spurred by the influx of museum representatives to New Mexico, seeking unique pottery pieces. In response, the potters began crafting more intricate and visually striking pottery, hoping to captivate these collectors.

Around the same time, the shapes of the jars started to evolve. A notable shift was the relocation of the jar’s widest diameter from the mid-body to the upper-body, closer to the shoulder. This period also witnessed the emergence of more expressive designs on Acoma pottery.

The practice of signing their pottery among Acoma potters is not precisely dated, but it generally coincided with the end of World War II. This period marked a resurgence in tourism and a renewed interest in souvenirs. According to Harlow and Lanmon, the first Acoma potter’s signature dates to 1931, although this was not a widespread practice at the time. Early identifiers on pottery included the words ‘Acoma Pueblo’ and ‘Sky City’, with the potter’s name evolving at a later stage.

This Acoma Pueblo historic pottery jar, likely crafted in the late 1930s or early 1940s, bears no identifying marks on its underside. The jar’s widest diameter is located at the upper body, aligning with the trend of that era. The chosen design is open and uncluttered, offering a clean and structured aesthetic. The design features a broad, curving rainbow encircled by rain clouds, accompanied by other elements resembling leaves and geometric patterns.

The jar remains in excellent condition, producing a distinctive ring when tapped. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of an experienced potter.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Acoma Pueblo Magnificent Rainbow Jar is from the collection of a resident of Santa Fe.

Reference: The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo by Dwight P. Lanmon and Francis H. Harlow, 2013. Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Acoma Pueblo, Historic Pottery