Santo Domingo Small Storage Jar with Blue Pigment

Historic Santo Domingo Pueblo Storage Jar (c. 1910)

This remarkable Santo Domingo Pueblo small storage jar, dating to approximately 1910, is a perfect blend of utilitarian function and striking visual form. Its size suggests it was a small storage jar, likely used for household purposes.

A unique feature of this vessel is the presence of soft, bluish areas near the shoulder—a rare occurrence in Pueblo pottery that may be due to the use of cobalt oxide. This element, possibly introduced through trade, adds a subtle yet intriguing layer of individuality.

The jar's graceful shape is defined by a high shoulder and a gently curved neck adorned with rain cloud motifs. The widest part of the body provides an expansive canvas for a bold, continuous band of black triangle designs. A single framing line thoughtfully separates the neck and body designs, highlighting the vessel's balanced composition. The jar is finished with a red slip base and a polished red slip interior. Light abrasions near the bottom serve as a testament to its authentic history of daily use.

Condition: very good condition, with some abrasions on the lower portion consistent with use.

Provenance: This Santo Domingo Small Storage Jar with Blue Pigment is from a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: THE POTTERY OF SANTO DOMINGO PUEBLO: A Detailed Study of its Decoration. Memoirs of the Laboratory of Anthropology, Volume 1, Santa Fe. 1936. Chapman, Kenneth M. (1875-1968)

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Kewa - Santo Domingo Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Ceremonial breaks