San Ildefonso Pueblo 19th Century OLLA by Marianita Roybal

This historic pottery OLLA, or water jar, is a welcome return to our gallery. We originally sold it in 2012, attributing it to the renowned San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Marianita Roybal, who was active from approximately 1860 to 1910.

This piece is a classic example of a late nineteenth-century Tewa water jar. Its rounded, globular body and distinctive features — such as the red rim slip and an unslipped, polished red underbody — are all characteristic of the period before 1900. The cream slip, a traditional San Ildefonso style, shows the tell-tale marks of stone polishing and the fine crazing that often resulted from the firing process. These details, along with the slightly watery red paint, suggest a creation date before 1905, placing it squarely within Marianita's active years.

The jar's design exhibits the work of an outstanding painter. The large, black elements resembling cloud formations on the body are identical to those found on a documented vessel at the School for Advanced Research (SAR). In 1947, famed potter Maria Martinez identified the SAR pieces as the work of Marianita Roybal. This particular jar's globular shape is also consistent with Marianita's known work.

According to noted scholar Jonathan Batkin, Marianita is the earliest Pueblo potter to be identified by name. She was an important artist until at least 1910 and was even listed in the 1850 U.S. Census. Maria Martinez knew her personally and told Kenneth Chapman in 1947 that her sister, Maximiliana (Anna), and brother-in-law, Crescencio Martinez, sometimes painted Marianita's pottery. Marianita also collaborated with other painters, including her son Ignacio Roybal and grandson Joe Aguilar. The painting techniques on this jar are highly reminiscent of the style of Florentino Montoya, who painted for his wife, Martina Vigil, and occasionally for her mother, Toña Peña Vigil. This collaboration further highlights the interconnected artistic community of San Ildefonso at the turn of the century.

Condition: very good condition for its age

Provenance: this San Ildefonso Pueblo 19th Century OLLA by Marianita Roybal is from a gentleman from California

Reference: "Three Great Potters of San Ildefonso and Their Legacy" by Jonathan Batkin. American Indian Art Magazine, Autumn 1981, Vol 16, No. 4. Publisher: Mary Hamilton

TAGS: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Maria Martinez, Maximiliana (Anna), San Ildefonso Pueblo, Historic Pottery, Marianita Roybal, Crescencio Martinez, Florentino Montoya, Martina Vigil, Toña Peña Vigil