Pot (Olla), c. 1000-1300
Ancestral Puebloexpand_more
Clay, pigmentsexpand_more
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fundexpand_more 90.106
Not on Viewexpand_more
Pueblo potters developed large storage jars, called ollas, to hold food and water. These vessels were carefully hand-built using coils which were smoothed together into a strong thin wall. The full, round shape of this olla is emphasized by the decorative pattern of black and white painted onto the surface. The interlocked lines of small white squares with a dot in the middle represent a traditional three-step cloud motif and also refer to lightning, which heralds the summer rainstorms. The square and dot design evokes rows of maize kernels, a staple food source for the Ancient Puebloans. All of the designs on the pot were painted freehand, showing the artist's great talent and skill.
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Details
- Title
- Pot (Olla)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 90.106
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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