Sgraffito Indigenous Narrative Pottery Bud Vase

This is a small, bulbous pottery vessel featuring a textured, light-tan slip surface and decorative sgraffito and relief work. The piece is constructed from ceramic clay with a narrow neck and wide, rounded body. The central motif depicts a simplistic relief figure of an Indigenous warrior on horseback, wielding a spear or bow. The warrior is rendered in a soft peach/terracotta hue, while the horse is a contrasting dark chocolate brown. Notable features include several small circular piercings at the shoulder of the vessel and a distinct hammered or dimpled texture across the exterior. The application of color appears to be a matte glaze or slip wash, consistent with 20th-century Southwestern American pottery styles. Regarding condition, there is a prominent chip or loss of surface slip located on the upper neck near the rim, exposing the lighter ceramic body beneath. There is also general surface wear and some scuffing visible on the lower section of the horse motif. This piece likely dates from the late 20th century and mimics traditional Puebloan storytelling pottery through more modern manufacturing techniques.