Rosalie and Joe Aguilar created some exceptional pottery throughout their time working together.  In the 1930’s they began to make carved pottery.  This plate is one of their most complex designs.  The design is a Ram Dancer, which is seen at San Ildefonso Pueblo during Feast Day in January.  The Ram Dancer is carved into the clay and there are incised designs on the kilt and legs along with painted designs on the neck and ram’s horn.  Surrounding the figure are cloud, rain, and lightning designs.  The background area is matte against the polished surfaces of the design.  The plate is signed on the back in the clay, “Rosalie & Joe”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  There are a few light scratches on the rim and back and a bit of wear along the back of the dancer.  However, nothing unexpected that is not age-related.  This is certainly a unique piece both culturally and artistically. 

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940