Ohkay Owingeh Historic Pottery Bowl with Exterior Red Band

This historic bowl from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, dating to the late 1800s or early 1900s, is a beautiful example of the Red-on-tan style characteristic of the period. The upper portion of the vessel is slipped in a deep red clay sourced from the pueblo and then stone-polished to a high luster. This rich, dark red tone is reminiscent of the colors seen in pre-1900 pottery.

The underbody is the natural tan clay of the vessel, left un-slipped and stone-polished to a soft sheen. Fire clouds from outdoor firing sweep across this lower section, enhancing the visual appeal and authenticity of the piece. The interior of the bowl, like the lower exterior, remains un-slipped but polished, showing off the natural beauty of the clay.

The form of the bowl is particularly elegant. It flares from a narrow base into a rounded, globular body, then gently curves inward toward a short, concave neck. This graceful silhouette, paired with the contrast between the polished red slip and the natural tan clay, makes for a striking and balanced composition.

Pottery from Ohkay Owingeh during this time is quite rare. As noted by scholar Alfonso Ortiz and others, pottery production had nearly ceased by 1900, with only occasional utilitarian pieces being made. The revival that began in the 1930s introduced new forms and styles, making earlier examples like this especially significant and difficult to find today.

Condition: very good condition with minor rim chips

Provenance: This Ohkay Owingeh Historic Pottery Bowl with Exterior Red Band is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery.

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

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, San Juan Pueblo, Historic Pottery