Lyle Tayson: San Ildefonso Pottery Making

Artist: Lyle Tayson
1924 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1977
Image Size: 13 by 17 inches
Overall Size: 18 by 22 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

One of the Tewa Pueblos near the eastern bank of the Rio Grande River in north-central New Mexico, San Ildefonso has witnessed the creation of some of the most beautiful, highly-polished pottery pieces to be seen anywhere. Famous San Ildefonso potter Maria Martinez popularized pottery that featured red and black designs on a light buff background.

Standing nine inches high, and slightly less than one foot at its greatest diameter, these pots are a superb specimen of Pueblo Indian craftsmanship. An example of why San Ildefonso is famed for its potters. Fewer than four hundred people live at San Ildefonso today, and many of them are employed "on the Hill" -- as nearby Los Alamos, the birthplace of America's atomic and hydrogen bomb, is locally known. Modern technology has had an impact on the traditions at San Ildefonso; certain ceremonies that would otherwise be celebrated during the week are, instead, conducted on the weekend. Among them the traditional Corn Dance, usually held in spring, and often on the village saint's day, a carryover of Spanish religious influence. In a centuries-old plea begun by their forefathers, the dancers encourage the spirits to bring them rain for their crops and fertility for their soil. Other ceremonial dances beseech the Mother of Game to have many children. Traditions like these, as old as the surrounding hills, bend to the demands of a modern America.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 13¢ San Ildefonso Pottery Making stamp issued April 12, 1977.

Artwork Copyright © 1977 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05042

US$ Price: $1,000.00

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