Rose Cata Gonzales San Ildefonso Carved Blackware Pottery Jar

Item Details

A Rose Cata Gonzales carved blackware pottery long neck jar. The jar features a cameo style carved water serpent (avanyu). Gonzales is well known for her carved blackware pottery typically carved at the edge of the shoulder of the vessel. The jar is signed on the underside ‘Rose’.

Rose Cata Gonzales (1900-1989) was born in the San Juan Pueblo of New Mexico Aside from her carved San Ildefonso pottery, she is known for traditional pottery in the San Juan Pueblo style. In 1920, she married Robert Gonzales and moved, with her sister to his native Pueblo of San Ildefonso. She was taught by her mother-in-law, Ramona Sanchez Gonzales, how to make pottery. In 1930 she began her ingenious practice of deep carved pottery. Her original creation was credited to a shard of carved pottery found by her husband while hunting. She would use a knife and chisel to carve her designs then delicatley sand the edges to create a cameo style with the design in low relief. She favored specific designs, with the avanyu (water serpent)being one. During the 1930s and ’40s she would trade her wares for food to feed her family. By the 1970s she had received many accolades and had becaome a well-known and successful artist. She was recognized by the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial which further established her potter reputation.

Condition

- wear consistent with age and use; visible wear and scratches.

Dimensions

Item #

17CIN523-122