Dunlap, Carmelita – 11″ Wide Polychrome Plate with Flower Designs (1970s)

This is a striking large polychrome plate by Carmelita Dunlap.  Carmelita made this piece in 1977.  It is polished in the natural color of the clay and painted with red and black clay slips. There are swirling bird wings and bird wing designs in the center of the plate.  The back of the piece has interlocking cloud designs.  It is a  creative and striking use of form, design, and color.  While Carmelita was famous for her brown fired pieces, her polychrome pottery is always among her most distinctive style of pottery. The piece is signed on the back in the clay, “Carmelia Dunlap”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. 

Brand

Dunlap, Carmelita (1925 - 2000)

Carmelita Dunlap was a daughter Juanita Vigil and raised by Desideria Sanchez, both sisters of Maria Martinez. She learned to make pottery from her aunts and began making her distinctive vessels in 1955. She was known not only for her complicated designs but the large size of her pottery. She is also the matriarch of a family of potters including children Martha Appleleaf, Carlos Dunlap, Cynthia Star Flower and grandson Erik Fender. Carmelita won numerous awards for her pottery at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market and Gallup Ceremonials. Her pottery can be found in museums across the country including the NMAI and the Denver Art Museum.