Dunlap, Carmelita – 14″ Tall Terrace Rim Jar with Feathers and Waves (1980s)
$ 4,000.00
Carmelita Dunlap is one of the San Ildefonso potters best known for her large vessels. This is a spectacular large jar. It is has a round shoulder and elongated neck. The neck is carved away to create a “terrace” or step appearance. The jar is highly polished and then painted. The neck has feathers, and below is a band of waves. The lower section of the jar has flower and geometric designs. The jar is tightly painted and fired a deep black. The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Carmelita Dunlap”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Definitely a traditional classic of her work!
Out of stock






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.