Sky City White Corrugated Owl Pottery Figurine by Jessie Garcia

Acoma Pueblo artist Jessie Garcia cleverly defined the pottery owl's feathers through corrugation of the upper body, leaving the lower body plain and stone-polished white clay. The lateral wings and tail were defined by painted feathers. Eyes and beak were highlighted with orange pigment. The owl is signed Jessie Garcia Acoma, N.M.

Jessie Garcia (1910-1999) was considered by Rick Dillingham (author of Acoma & Laguna Pottery—see link below) as one of the three most important twentieth century potters from Acoma Pueblo, along with Lucy Lewis and Marie Z. Chino. She was the mother of Anita Lowden and Stella Shutiva and the mother-in-law of Sarah Garcia, all three of whom are recognized as outstanding potters.

In 1941, Museum of New Mexico director Kenneth Chapman donated a Jessie Garcia seed jar to the Indian Arts Fund. The Indian Arts Fund purchased a Jessie Garcia bowl from Mrs. William J. Lippincott, and then, in 1966, the Indian Arts Fund made a direct purchase of a bowl from Jessie at Santa Fe Indian Market. These acquisitions indicate the esteem that the Indian Arts Fund had for the work of this potter.

Condition: very good condition, with marks of previous pads on bottom.

Provenance: this Sky City White Corrugated Owl Pottery Figurine by Jessie Garcia is from the collection of an Adobe Gallery client.

Reference: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

TAGS: Acoma Pueblo, Anita Lowden, Stella Shutiva, Sarah Garcia, pottery, Marie Z. Chino, Lucy M. Lewis, Jessie Garcia, Kenneth Chapman