San Ildefonso Black-on-Black Olla (Storage Jar)
Ceramic; Hand-coiled pottery vessel • Carmelita Dunlap (1925–1999); San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico
Style & Movement
Native American Art; San Ildefonso Pueblo Blackware
Medium & Technique
Native clay and volcanic ash (temper). Hand-coiled, stone-polished (burnished) with Navajo slip, and wood-fired in a reduction atmosphere to achieve the black coloration.
Creation Period
1977 (as per inscription)
Dimensions & Format
Globular vessel/Olla; Estimated 8-12 inches in height/diameter based on base scale.
Subject Description
A traditional Puebloan storage vessel. While the main body is not fully visible, the base indicates a high-gloss burnished finish characteristic of San Ildefonso blackware, typically featuring matte-on-polished geometric or feather motifs.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible shelf wear and minor scuffing on the underside contact points.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Hand-signed 'Carmelita Dunlap San Ildefonso Pueblo Dec 1977' on the base. Likely acquired directly from the artist or at a Southwestern art market in the late 1970s.
Art Historical Significance
Carmelita Dunlap was a protégé and niece of Maria Martinez. She is a recognized master of the black-on-black technique, known for her large-scale vessels and precision in polishing. Her work represents the continuation of the San Ildefonso pottery revival.
Notable Features
Detailed incised signature on the base including the specific month and year (Dec 1977), which is highly desirable for provenance and dating.
Condition Issues
Abrasions and scratches on the base from surface contact; possible minor surface 'pitting' common in traditional pit-firing.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable environment with low humidity. Handle only with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from staining the porous burnished surface. Dust only with a soft brush.