Anasazi Native American Pottery?

I recently came across this NA pottery at an antique market, but know very little about it. I am just starting to collect, and the seller did not have much info. The smaller piece appears to be Anasazi from what I have researched but am by no means sure of it. I do not have any idea on the bowl. I appreciate hearing everyone’s thoughts. Also any idea on $ value would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome, Jennifer. Our people who know this stuff will be able to tell you more if you show the bottoms. Not my field, but think they are going to tell you not Anasazi.

 

No, not Anasazi (now usually called Ancestral Puebloan.) They are both early (ca. 1920/30s) tourist items. The little bowl is from Isleta Pueblo, the cow pitcher is Acoma, from Acoma Pueblo. A search for similar items under "Sold Listings" will give an idea of prices, which tend to vary considerably by location.

 

I guess should have said "Sold Listings" on eBay, to be clear. Since members here are from all over the world, and prices can vary widely, we generally refrain from offering values on items.

Also, I always recommend the book Southwestern Pottery, Anasazi to Zuni by Alan Hayes and John Bloom, which is available in soft cover, and in both the original and a "Second Edition, Revised and Expanded." Both are excellent, and probably the best available references, especially for those just starting collections. You can find more detailed (and expensive) references if you later narrow your interests to a particular type of Native American pottery, but one or both of these should be the first purchase a novice collector should make.

I'd avoid attempting to research the topic on line. There are so many misleading and misidentified "Native American" items on the internet, that unless you are using a reputable museum or gallery web site, like Clay Hounds or Adobe Gallery in Santa Fe, for example, the experience can turn out to be frustrating and time-consuming. You can search the Smithsonian collections, for example, but you pretty much have to know what you're looking for first.

The exception, of course, is here at Antiquers. There are several members who specialize in Native American art, and are always willing to help when they can.

 

Thank you so much for this detailed info. I was starting to feel overwhelmed by all of the info online - some seeming to be conflicting. I have just ordered that book which looks fantastic. I’m eager to learn more. I also purchased this piece as well, and was told by several people Ancestral Puebloan too (hopefully it is) . Either way though I think it is beautiful, and happy to have acquired it.

 

It's very handsome. How big is it?

 

It is approximately 3 3/4" tall x 3 3/4" diameter. My only concern is that the paint appears too dark to be Ancestral Puebloan... Hoping not a reproduction.

 

I was wondering if it was large enough to be a functioning vessel. Seems small to me but taupou will let you know.

 

I'm sure you saw the writing on the bottom..........nice little vessel!!!

 

My first reaction was that it was a reproduction, but I was waiting for the dimensions before I posted my thoughts. Unfortunately, it does appear a little small for a functional old piece. But I have seen miniature pieces like this before. I think there is no real agreement on what the actual purpose was, however.

But it still just doesn't look "right" for a genuine pre-historic pot. The paint, as mentioned, appears way too dark. The size is troubling. As are the marks on the bottom.

It is possible that the piece has been significantly restored, which might account somewhat for the appearance, but, significantly, there doesn't appear to be any evidence of age or wear, based on the photos.

The form itself, and the design pattern, could be consistent with the old piece this is attempting to represent, but lacking a hands-on examination, I would have serious doubts about the cup being 900 years old.

 

Yes, I did see the writing on the bottom thanks, but wasn't sure if it was an accurate value estimation. I purchased for much, much less fortunately. (About $65 from someone who did not look at bottom or know much about the piece so at least I did not lose much.) I still think it's a lovely piece to display.


Thank you, Taupou, for the additional information. There s so much to learn. this will help me in my future purchases as I look to grow my collection!

 

A collector just starting out shouldn't necessarily feel bad about buying an item they find that they like, especially if it was a good buy! Count any added expense as education...which hardly ever is completely "free."

The only thing to be aware of, is that in the case of Native American crafts, there are federal laws that apply. Under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, it is a federal offense, with a significant fine, to offer something for sale as "Native American" if it is not actually made by an enrolled member or artisan of a state- or federally-recognized tribe. It also is against the law to misidentify the tribe. There is a government web site to read the complete details.

Obviously, there are countless offenses committed on line, but a number of sellers have found out about the law the hard way. Just something to be
aware of, one plans to sell (which, for serious collectors, eventually seems necessary!)

 

I read the writing as 6 x 5 " rather than as a price. That might have been wrong. But it seemed like reading it as a "price" was way too much.

Your dimensions indicate it's smaller than that, so perhaps it refers to the size of the pot it is a replica of. Or perhaps it's just an inventory marking. In any event, it doesn't seem to add anything but questions to the authenticity of the piece.

 

Yes, it is marked $675 and Mint which also made me question its authenticity. Regardless, I thought it was a beautiful piece so I do not regret purchasing it. Thank you for all of the insight into resale! It is all very helpful. Thanks again everyone. Cheers.