Miniature Acoma Wanda Aragon

In the early Eighties, pottery was growing into a solid cottage industry among all the Pueblo tribes. Many artisans were becoming luminaries and drawing high value for their works. Innovation and creativity was everywhere in the Pueblo pottery world. One form that took hold of a market segment was that of MINIATURES.

These tiny replicas of larger more expensive jars and vessels were made in exactly the same painstaking manner as their larger sisters. Price was a motivating factor, as the lower numbers spawned a larger market of its own. Collectors enjoyed the benefit of smaller size, which allowed collections to grow, nearly unimpeded by shelf space. Quality was a concern, but artisans met that challenge head on, creating some of the finest pottery “jewels” of all time.

This small olla is made in the image of the larger ollas of the past. The extra wide shape of the shoulders allowed rolling, necks and elaborate lips. This particular one has a lightning shape in a negative design. Acoma in every respect. Ground fired and mineral painted. Native clays . . . just like the big ones.

Thin wall construction, 1.75″ x 1.75″, good condition. Minor spalling. By master potter Wanda Aragon, Acoma Pueblo.