Storage Jar (Olla) with Black, White, and Hathed Linked Scrolls, Triangles, and Stepped Motifs Possibly 950 - 1400

This storage jar, or olla, was created by Ancestral Pueblo artists, using clay, and mineral or plant-based pigments. The olla’s rounded form, achieved through coil-and-scrape construction, speaks to its purpose: efficient storage. Its considerable size suggests it was made for a community, not just a single family. The black and white decoration isn't merely ornamental; it’s a sophisticated language, a means of visually communicating cultural identity and beliefs. Consider the labor involved in every stage: the digging and preparing of the clay, the meticulous coiling, the precise painting of geometric designs. These weren't idle pastimes, but essential skills passed down through generations, reinforcing community bonds. The olla is more than just a container; it's a testament to human ingenuity, a record of cultural values, and a reminder of the deep connection between people and the materials that sustain them. It challenges the idea of craft as somehow separate from “high art,” inviting us to recognize the artistry inherent in everyday objects.