Pottery Bowl with San Felipe Pueblo Attribution

San Felipe Pueblo Pottery: An Enigma in Red Clay

This pottery bowl bears an attribution to San Felipe Pueblo, as indicated by a pencil note on the underside. It arrived alongside two bowls made in Isleta Pueblo, but upon closer examination, we notice several differences between the Isleta bowls and this one, prompting us to consider that it might originate from San Felipe. However, due to the absence of prior exposure to polished red bowls specifically associated with San Felipe Pueblo, we cannot definitively confirm or refute the attribution.

Here are the key distinctions between the pottery from Isleta Pueblo and this bowl:

Rolled-Out Rim: Isleta Pueblo bowls typically exhibit rims that continue straight up from the vessel wall without rolling out. In contrast, this bowl features a rolled-out rim, which sets it apart.

Red Band on Exterior Rim: Isleta pottery often includes a wiped-on red band encircling the exterior rim. However, this bowl lacks this characteristic red band.

Red Slip Application: The exterior of this bowl shows evidence of an application of red slip over the polished natural clay body. This technique differs from Isleta pottery, where sand is traditionally used as a tempering agent, resulting in thicker-walled pieces with no additional decoration beyond fire clouds.

In summary, while the attribution suggests San Felipe Pueblo, the unique features of this bowl warrant further exploration and appreciation. Its origins remain intriguing, and its polished red surface adds to its allure as a piece of fine artistry.

According to Jonathan Batkin, "Documented whole ceramics of the nineteenth century from San Felipe are rare, if they even exist, but pottery was made there. . . Documented twentieth century ceramics are also rare. Philbrook Art Center has a polychrome bowl, a polished red bowl, and an unpolished olla by Pietra Sandoval. Accession notes state that pottery was revived solely for competition for prizes, and was not a traditional art. The revival is said to have occurred around 1939. . ." Batkin 1987:117

Condition: very good condition with normal wear pattern

Provenance: this Pottery Bowl with San Felipe Pueblo Attribution is from the collection of a family from New Mexico

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

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, San Felipe Pueblo, Katishtya