Rare Historic Tesuque Pueblo Black-on-Cream OLLA, circa 1880

This wonderful Tesuque Pueblo pottery jar likely dates to around 1880. According to documented references, Tesuque abandoned painted red rims around 1880 in favor of black rims. This jar has a red rim. [Batkin 1987:57]

Those who follow our acquisitions know that we have an affinity for the work produced at Tesuque during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During this period, production was shifting from wares made for daily use to wares made for sale to tourists. Enterprising potters and dealers created a variety of interesting forms. Remarkably, many of these works have a striking visual character that is like that of earlier functional pieces. This example exhibits that unique quality.

It is a small, round jar, with a dramatically flared rim. Its form echoes that of traditional Santo Domingo water jars, except for size, which is reduced here to allow for quick sale and easy travel.

Two design bands appear, with three pairs of parallel lines serving as borders. The upper band, which circles the flared neck, uses a repeating pattern of curved line trios to reference rain. The lower band stretches over the shoulder and down to just a couple of inches above the base. Within its borders, a variety of plantlike elements appear in a lively arrangement, suggesting that the rains up above have served their purpose. A wide deep red band wraps around the lower part of the jar.

Condition: very good condition with some slip abrasions and superficial cracks

Provenance: this Rare Historic Tesuque Pueblo Black-on-Cream OLLA, circa 1880 is from a private collection

Recommended Reading:

- Batkin, Jonathan. The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico, 2008.

- Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians, 1600-1880 by Larry Frank and Francis Harlow.

TAGS: Historic Pottery, Tesuque Pueblo