Historic Santo Domingo Pueblo Pottery Jar by The Aguilar Sisters [SOLD]

The Aguilar sisters—Felipita Aguilar Garcia and Asunción Aguilar Caté—along with their sister-in-law, Mrs. Ramon Garcia, were exceptional potters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries at Santo Domingo Pueblo (now Kewa Pueblo). In their early works, they adhered to tradition, featuring strong black geometric designs on a creamy white slip. However, this piece marks the beginning of their innovation, evident in the sinusoidal band - a smooth, repetitive oscillation that occurs in a wave-like pattern - around the neck just above the shoulder. This additional design element indicates the potters' initial steps towards breaking from tradition.

The body of the jar features black triangles arranged in various forms that, upon closer inspection, resemble stars. The neck designs consist of half circles created by the placement of black pigment. The sinusoidal strip separates these two design bands. The jar also includes double framing lines in three locations, a black rim, and a wide red band below the design panel, applied with a wiping technique. A faint fire cloud is visible on one side of the jar, adding to its unique character.

Condition: this Historic Santo Domingo Nineteenth Century Aguilar Pottery Jar is in very good condition with very minor rim repairs

Provenance: this Historic Santo Domingo Pueblo Pottery Jar by The Aguilar Sisters from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin

TAGS: Santo Domingo Pueblo, pottery, Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Asunción Aguilar Caté