First posted by C. Dean Wilson 2012

Pinto Polychrome was defined by Gladwin and Gladwin (1930). This type represents the earliest Salado polychrome type and is reflected almost exclusively by bowl forms (Crown 1994; Lindsay and Jennings 1968). Pinto Polychrome has the most limited distribution of the Salado Polychrome types and occurs in a corridor from east-central to southeastern Arizona and is very rare but may occur in site in west-central New Mexico. Pinto Polychrome was produced during the late thirteenth and early fourteenth century.

The interior bowl surface is covered by a poorly to well-polished red slip while interiors are covered by a polished pearly-white to pinkish slip. The red slip commonly covers the entire exterior surface but may be limited to band just below the rim. The white interior is decorated with designs in a black organic paint. Interiors are commonly decorated with opposed solid and hatched designs. These designs are organized in broad rectilinear or curvilinear motifs that include broad and fine lines and closely spaced hachure. Designs usually begin from the bowl rim and commonly fill the entire interior surface, although a small circular area near the center may be left unpainted. These designs are similar to those noted in St Johns (Tularosa style) Black-on-white. Exterior surfaces may be sometimes decorated with black paint or white clay slips. Those in white slip tend to be thick and similar to those occurring in interiors of St Johns Polychrome and indicate relationship between these types.

References:
Crown, Patricia L.
1994 Ceramics and Ideology: Salado Polychrome Pottery. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque.

Gladwin, Winifred and Harold S. Gladwin
1930 Some Southwestern Pottery Types, Series II. Medallion Papers 19, Gila Pueblo, Globe.

Lindsay, Alexander J., Jr.,and Calvin H. Jennings
1968 Salado Red Ware Conference, Ninth Ceramic Seminar. Museum of Northern Arizona Ceramic Series 4, Flagstaff.

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Pinto Polychrome bowl

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Pinto Polychrome bowl sherd

Pinto Polychrome bowl

Pinto Polychrome bowl

Pinto Polychrome bowl (Interior View)

Pinto Polychrome