Roberto Banuelos Mata Ortiz Polychrome Pottery Jar

A striking example of the Mata Ortiz pottery tradition, this hand-coiled polychrome jar was created by Roberto Banuelos, an artist working in the village of Mata Ortiz in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico — a community celebrated worldwide for reviving and elevating the ancient pottery techniques of the Paquimé civilization. Roberto and Angela Bañuelos are a husband and wife team of potters from the northern Mexico village of Mata Ortiz. She forms, sands and polishes their pots while he applies the designs. She uses black, yellow, red, white and mixed colors of clay that he then paints in multiple layers. He often begins by spattering drops of a particular color across the piece, then adding his interpretations of Mimbres designs: fish, rabbits, lizards, feathers and miscellaneous fantasy creatures. Each Mata Ortiz vessel is built entirely by hand without the use of a potter's wheel, using locally sourced clay that is shaped, burnished to a high sheen, and painted freehand with intricate geometric and organic motifs using fine brushes made from human hair. The polychrome decoration on this jar showcases the meticulous precision and artistry that defines Banuelos' work — bold, rhythmic patterning in earth tones that speaks to both ancient tradition and a deeply personal artistic vision. Signed by the artist to the underside, this is a fully authenticated, one-of-a-kind work — no two Mata Ortiz pieces are ever exactly alike. A rare and considered acquisition for any collector of indigenous art, world craft, or elevated decorative objects. Details: Artist: Roberto Banuelos (b. 20th century, Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico) Period: Late 20th century Decoration: Red, black, and white fish motifs on a cream ground Technique: Hand-coiled, hand-burnished, freehand polychrome decoration Materials: Locally sourced clay Signed: Incised to underside — Roberto Banuelos Provenance: Private collection Condition: Overall good condition with shelf wear and scattered minor scuffs. Inherent firing flaws commensurate with age. Sticker ghosts and a ring of staining to underside — consistent with a piece of this period and origin.