Native American, Southwest, New Mexico, Acoma Pueblo, ca. 20th century. Inscribed "Acoma N.M. by P. Juanico" on underside. The Acoma potters are known for their endearing ceramic owl effigies and this example - skillfully hand built with applied wings, tailfeathers, and ears as well as a full-of-personality curved beak and open mouth - certainly lives up to a high standard. What's more, it is a large size and was painstakingly decorated with red and black details over a traditional white slip. The signature on the bottom - "P. Juanico" - suggests a relation to Marietta Juanico. Size: 8.25" W (wing to wing) x 7.25" H (21 cm x 18.4 cm)

Born to Isidore and Frances Concho of Acoma Pueblo on September 23, 1964, Marietta Juanico was introduced to pottery by her grandmother, Helen Patricio, when she was about six years old. Marietta sold her pots at the Acoma Pueblo with her grandmother when she was in high school. These were typically small to medium sized pots; however, after marrying Melvin Juanico, Marietta's mother-in-law (Marie Juanico) suggested that she build larger pots. Marietta has used traditional techniques: she digs and prepares the clay, finds and grinds pot shards in order to temper the clay, finds and grinds the minerals to create her paints, builds the pieces via the coil and scrape method, and uses yucca brushes to paint the surface. Marietta's honors include the "Collectors Choice" award at the Phoenix Indian Center Show in 1997 and the 1st Place ribbon for pottery at the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show. Today, Marietta and her husband Melvin create their pots together, and she usually signs her work "M.P. Juanico".

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#170303

Minor surface wear commensurate with age. Small loss to tip of left proper ear. Otherwise intact and excellent. Inscribed "Acoma N.M. by P. Juanico" on underside.