Tesuque Pueblo Single Pottery Moccasin [SOLD]

Pottery represents the survival of an ancient and primitive craft, going directly back to the days when clay was patted into basketry to make the baskets waterproof. From this primitive beginning, pottery vessels emerged. The pueblo potter then perfected the art until the result was not only a functional item but a beautiful one.  

After the arrival of the Spanish to the area, there was little change noted in pueblo pottery, but after the continental train arrived in 1879, changes began to be noticed.  Santa Fe merchants were anxious to have items to sell to the newly-arrived tourists so they encouraged potters to make small curio items. At Tesuque Pueblo, the rain god was one of the items highly promoted by merchants.  Other items consisted of pottery moccasins, ashtrays, salt and pepper shakers, and other similar items.

One of the more charming items made for the tourist trade was pottery Indian moccasins.  Much like Dutch wooden shoes, moccasins had a direct association with the pueblo Indians and was therefore a more appropriate souvenir than ashtrays and salt and pepper shakers.

This moccasin was beautifully formed  with a tall slim top and was exquisitely painted with traditional pueblo designs—floral and geometric.  The cream slip has turned to a warm color over time. The sole was painted red, typical of real pueblo moccasins.

Condition: this Tesuque Pueblo Single Pottery Moccasin is in very good condition

Provenance: from a collector of pueblo pottery in Oklahoma

Recommended Reading:  The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico by Jonathan Batkin