American Pottery Appraisal

Native American Pueblo Pottery Bowl

This is a hand-coiled and painted pottery bowl, likely from a Pueblo tradition such as Santa Clara or Hopi, characteristic of the early 20th century. The bowl exhibits a warm, earthy terracotta or orange-brown base color, indicative of the natural clay used. The decoration is applied in a contrasting dark black pigment, possibly historically derived from mineral pigments or organic materials, along with an oxidized reddish-brown secondary color within some of the painted design elements. The overall shape is shallow and wide, with a subtly rounded base that suggests it was designed for display or serving. The interior features a complex, asymmetrical design dominated by large black geometric shapes and curvilinear forms. Notable elements include black bands outlining the rim and defining segments of the interior. Within these segments, stylized motifs, possibly representing clouds, feathers, or other natural elements, are visible. One section features a repeating pattern of three vertical lines within a stylized shape. The exterior of the bowl is decorated with a band of distinctive black geometric patterns, specifically visible are triangular or stepped motifs, which are common in Southwestern pottery. The craftsmanship appears to be traditional hand-built pottery with a burnished or polished finish, giving it a soft sheen. Visible condition issues include expected age-related wear, light surface abrasions, and minor inconsistencies in the paint application, which are typical for handmade objects of this age. There are no obvious signs of chips, cracks, or repairs in the visible areas, suggesting good preservation for its estimated age. The unique combination of colors and traditional motifs point to a piece with cultural significance and skilled artistry.