Acoma Pueblo Miniature Polychrome Vase Pottery

20th Century

.75" H x .875" D 

Hand Crafted from Red Polychrome Clay with Painted Red, Black and White Geometric Designs with the Initials GB on the Base

Excellent Condition

Acoma Pueblo, often called "Sky City," is located atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa in New Mexico and is the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, with roots dating back over 1,000 years. The pueblo's pottery tradition is renowned for its exceptionally thin walls (as fine as an eggshell), achieved through hand-coiling techniques using local slate-like clay mixed with ground shards from older pots for temper. This clay fires to a creamy white base, and polychrome decoration—typically in black outlines with red/orange (terra cotta) accents—creates intricate geometric patterns symbolizing rain, clouds, parrots, deer, or rainbows. These designs carry spiritual significance, often representing prayers for rain and fertility in the arid Southwest landscape.