Adobe Gallery Blog

By 1890, pottery production at San Juan Pueblo (now Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) had come to a complete halt. In 1930, Regina Cata organized a pottery study group with the intent of reviving pottery production. Eight potters studied ancient potsherds of wares made at San Juan in earlier times and selected Potsuwii'i Incised Ware (1450-1500) as a basis for contemporary pottery type. Decorative zones of geometric fine lines with selected areas of polished red slip were the final result.

This bowl by Rosita De Herrera is a fine example of contemporary Ohkay Owingeh Incised Ware. Micaceous slip decorates the incisions. Rosita learned from her mother, Tomasita Montoya, who was one of the original eight potters. She is a sister of Dominguita Naranjo who is also a potter who was mentored by her mother, Tomasita.

Condition: original condition
Provenance: from a family estate from Kentucky

Subject: Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Potsuwii'i Incised Revival Bowl
Artist / Potter: Rosita De Herrera (ca.1940)
Category: Contemporary
Origin: Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (San Juan)
Medium: clay
Size: 2-7/8" deep x 4-1/4" diameter
Item # C3379B