First posted by C. Dean Wilson 2014

Escondida Polychrome as defined by DiPeso and others (1974) refers to forms described by Sayles (1936) as local Gila Polychrome. This type is characterized by a light colored white yellow paste similar to Ramos Polychrome but exhibits decorations similar to those noted for Salado Polychrome types (Di Peso and others 1974; Sayles 1936). The interior of bowls exhibit black mineral designs over a white slip, while exteriors are slipped red. Escondida closely resembles Gila and Tonto Polychromes in that the and exhibits broad meandering ribbon like motifs or large life-like form outlines, which are then further subdivided and filled with smaller motifs. Figured centered layouts were most common bowls while jars exhibited repeated band figures. Elements tended to be small and included dots, triangles, checkerboards, saw tooth and bulls-eye. The designs are highly stylized and elaborate often consisting of stylized bird motifs.

References:
DiPeso, Charles C., John B. Rinaldo, y Gloria C. Fenner
1974 Casas Grandes: A Fallen Trading Center of the Gran Chichimeca,Vol. 6: Ceramics and Shell. Amerind Foundation Publications 9(4–8). Northland Press, Flagstaff.

Sayles, E.B.
1936 Archaeological Survey of Chihuahua, Mexico. Medallion Paper 22. Gila Pueblo, Globe.

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