This canteen is an unusual piece by San Ildefono potter Rose Gonzales.  She is often considered the first at San Ildefonso Pueblo to make carved pottery. However, over the course of her career she created a variety of styles including plainware, painted and carved pottery.  This is one of the few canteens we have had of her work and one of her earlier pieces.  It is fully polished red and painted with a red clay slip.  The design is a cloud pattern near the top and a rain and prayer feather pattern below. There is still the original leather cord connected to the stopper!  The piece is signed on the bottom, “Rose” over a red matte clay slip.  This was typical of a lot of potters in the 1930’s and helps to date this piece.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.