Large Southern California Olla Pottery

ca.  pre 1900

19" H x 16" D

Hand Coiled Clay Old California Jar with Rare Incised Work at Neck Area 

In Very Good Condition has Body Crack as Pictured

Large Southern California olla pottery is traditional, hand-built ceramic storage jars (ollas) made by Native American tribes in the region, especially the Kumeyaay Cahuilla, and other Yuman-speaking groups. These vessels, often called "Tizon Brown Ware," date back to the Late Prehistoric Period (roughly 3,000 to 300 years ago) and continued into historic times.

An olla is a large, rounded or bulbous, usually unglazed clay jar. In Southern California indigenous cultures, people used them for storing water, seeds, dry foods, cordage, or ceremonial items. They were often cached in caves, rocks, or buried near villages. Larger examples could reach heights of up to 33 inches and hold around 27 gallons, though many surviving pieces are in the 13–24 inch range.