Traditional Pottery Appraisal

Faustina Potter Santa Clara Blackware Serving Bowl

This item is a Santa Clara blackware serving bowl, likely crafted by Faustina Potter as indicated by the provided context, and estimated to be from around 1925. The bowl exhibits a lustrous, highly polished black surface, characteristic of traditional Pueblo blackware pottery, achieved through a unique firing process that partially smothers the fire with organic materials to create a carbon-rich atmosphere. Physically, it is a shallow, oval-shaped serving bowl with distinctive looped handles on either end. The handles are skillfully integrated into the bowl's form, curving upwards and inwards from the rim, and featuring an open circular element where the loop meets the main body of the bowl. The overall construction displays excellent craftsmanship, with smooth, even surfaces and well-defined curves. There are no apparent cracks, chips, or major repairs visible in the provided image; however, minor surface wear consistent with its age and use may be present, possibly in the form of slight scuffing or faint scratches on the highly polished surface. The absence of vibrant colors emphasizes the elegant form and the deep, reflective black finish. This piece exemplifies the classic aesthetic of Santa Clara Pueblo pottery, known for its unpainted, monochromatic, and highly polished surfaces often featuring sgraffito or carved designs, though this specific piece appears to emphasize form over intricate surface decoration. The handles themselves are a notable feature, adding both aesthetic interest and functional utility to the bowl. The estimated age of 1925 places it within a significant period of Native American pottery revival and recognition.