Olla

Accession Number
1955/1.145

Title
Olla

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
circa 1880-1899

Medium & Support
earthenware with polished slip finish

Dimensions
10 3/4 in (27.31 cm)

Credit Line
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker

Subject matter
Ollas were utilitarian pots, used through the early twentieth century to fetch and carry water. The small pot bases can have a concave bottom (like this one) to curve along a human head for comfort and balance. SaraFina Gutierrez Tafoya was especially known for her large storage ollas, most finished in the distinct polished blackware finish of Santa Clara Puebloan potters. 

Physical Description
Large black-slipped water vessel with donut-like belly, ridges on the shoulder, a wide smooth concave neck, and scalloped flaring lip. 

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
water vessel

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
earthenware
ollas
vessels
vessels (containers)

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted