Two 20th Century Southwest Pottery Objects Recently Found in Massachusetts

I know very little about twentieth century Native American pottery from the American southwest, predominantly made in places like New Mexico. Although, I do know that some of it was brought back to the eastern states in the 1900s, as part of the tourist trade. This is a similar idea to the North Carolina pottery that I have been searching for the last two years or so throughout the northeast, which was made from the 1920s to the 1960s, some of which was shipped to retail stores in places like New York City and Boston.

However, over the past few years, I have also repeatedly spoken about this subject with Massachusetts antiques dealer Mark Brightman, who specializes in objects made by natives in the American southwest during the late nineteenth and twentieth century, whereas it is a subject that I would like to learn a little bit about, seeing that this type of pottery shows up in various contexts in New England. Interestingly, I actually picked up a few pieces in the last month at various thrift stores in Massachusetts. 

This first unsigned hand-painted earthenware pot was just found a few days ago for $4, and a friend suggested that I contact Marcy Burns, who specializes in antique Native American Art in New York City. She told me that the pot is likely from Acoma or Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico.

Furthermore, Pennsylvania antiques dealer Steve Smoot told me that the pot is probably from the circa 1940 to 1960 period. He added that the dart form black birds were first seen in the early twentieth century and he believes they originally were the product of the Medina family of potters. The decorative form was then adopted by many others.

The second object was found a few weeks ago for $3; the earthenware bowl is hand-painted and signed on the back, which was suggested to me that the signature may be from Elizabeth Waconda (1925-2007), who was active in New Mexica, circa 1940s-1990s. Her work is also represented in various American art museums today, including The Peabody Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

20th C. Southwest Pottery Objects Recently Found in Mass.

Unsigned 20th Century Hand-Painted Earthenware Pot

Possibly from Acoma or Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico

Possibly Circa 1940s-1960s

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Another View of the Bowl

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Signed 20th Century Hand-Painted Earthenware Bowl from New Mexico

Possibly Signed by Elizabeth Waconda (1925-2007)

Possibly Circa 1960s-1970s

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A View of the Back and the Signature

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Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...