Prehistoric Pottery Appraisal

Ancestral Puebloan Style Black-on-White Pottery Pitcher

This item is a ceramic pitcher exhibiting characteristics of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery, specifically the black-on-white style. The vessel features a globular body, a straight cylindrical neck, and a single loop handle connecting the shoulder to the neck. The surface is decorated with geometric patterns including interlocking fret motifs, hachure lines, and a dotted band around the shoulder. The color palette consists of dark mineral-based pigment applied over a light-colored clay slip. Physically, the piece shows significant signs of age and wear; the rim is heavily chipped and irregular, suggesting loss of material over time. There are visible surface abrasions, pitting, and areas where the slip has worn thin, revealing the underlying clay body. The construction is likely coil-built and outdoor-fired, typical of pre-contact or early historical indigenous Southwestern techniques. The handle appears sturdy but shows similar weathering to the rest of the body. While it mimics the style of the Pueblo II or III periods (circa 900-1300 AD), a definitive age would require physical examination to distinguish between an ancient artifact and a high-quality 20th-century revival piece. The complexity of the design and the apparent patina suggest a piece of significant craft, though its condition impacts its structural integrity.