First posted by C. Dean Wilson 2012

Medicine Black-on-red was defined by Colton and Hargrave (1937). This type is characterized by a thin red slip and designs in a black mineral paint (Colton 1955). Temper consists of sand and sherd. Texture is fine to medium and vessels tend to be well fired and strong. Surfaces are polished and decorated surfaces are covered with a deep red slip. This slip may sometimes flake or weather off exposing the gray to orange paste. Forms include bowls and jars . Motifs often consist of broad lines, and triangles organized in a similar fashion as that previously described for Black Mesa Black-on-white. This includes examples exhibiting decorations similar to that noted in Deadmans Black-on-red and can sometimes only be distinguished from this type based on temper. This type appears to have been produced between the late eleventh and middle twelfth century.

References:
Colton, Harold S.
1955 Check List of Southwest Pottery Types. Museum of Northern Arizona Ceramic Series 2. Northern Arizona Society of Science and Arts, Flagstaff.

Colton, Harold S. and Lyndon L. Hargrave
1937 Handbook of Northern Arizona Pottery Wares. Museum of Northern Arizona Bulletin No. 11, Flagstaff.

Related Photos

Medicine Black-on-red bowl

Medicine Black-on-red

Medicine Black-on-red sherds

Medicine Black-on-red bowl sherds