About the Object

This three-color Powhogeh polychrome storage jar features white slip with black and red painted decoration. This Powhogeh storage jar stands in its large globular shape with a medium-sized mouth opening. The surface decoration consists of three horizontal bands, framing lines, and a high red base. The top band is an oval-shaped black contoured pattern that may symbolize open leaf and/or bead motifs. The body band includes a variety of designs that purposefully cover the large surface of the jar. These designs are sizeable triangles that include a stacked black triangle pattern inside and are attached to a winding four-leaf motif. Other elements are feather and cloud symbolism.

Additional Information

Powhogeh pottery was named after the traditional land of Powhogeh Owingeh (“Where the Water Cuts Through”), also commonly known as the Pueblo of San Ildefonso. Powhogeh jars such as this were domestically utilized as storage jars for food and kept inside Pueblo homes. These types of jars were the least likely to break because of their thick base walls and molded flat bases, which may speak to why they exist today.