First posted by C. Dean Wilson 2014

Cochiti Black-on-white was first described by Chapman (1938) based on collections from the Indian Arts Fund. This type is often characterized by surfaces covered with a distinct white to off-white slip that was rag-polished over which decorations in black organic paint were applied (Batkin 1987; Frank and Harlow 1990; Harlow 1973). This slip was applied over a brown to reddish paste tempered with a crystalline volcanic ash temper. Except for a very small red slipped area on the base of the vessel, decorated surfaces are covered with a white slip. The rim is covered with black paint rather red slip. Decorations were organized into very wide spacious panels between narrow lines. Designs consist of isolated figures separated by broad spaces consisting of stylized naturalistic forms including clouds, rain, lightning, floral, and animal forms. Framing lines are often decorated by attachments of pendant figures such as arcs, triangles, and feathers. Forms include globular jars and steep bowls with slips and painted decorations on both the interior and exterior surfaces as well as human and animal figurines almost exclusively made for the tourist market.

References:
Batkin, Jonathan
1987 Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico, 1700 to 1900. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs.

Chapman, Kenneth
1938 The Pueblo Indian Pottery of the Post Spanish Period. General Series Bulletin No. 4, Laboratory of Anthropology of Anthropology, Santa Fe.

Frank, Larry and Francis H. Harlow
1990 Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians 1600-1880. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., West Chester Pennsylvania.

Harlow, Francis H.
1973 Matte Paint Pottery of the Tewa, Keres, and Zuni Pueblos. Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe.

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