This beautiful polychrome Acoma Pueblo vessel is masterfully decorated with the Acoma bird, and with both deer and bear each with a heartline. The animal figures are separated with traditional designs including elements taken from nature. This medium-sized vessel (9 "d x 7"h) is signed by the potter M. Antonio.

Acoma polychrome pottery is considered by some collectors to represent the most attractive and well-made of any Pueblo pottery. Acoma polychrome pottery usually includes designs of black paint alone, and combinations of black and red/orange paint. Design figures are often of interconnecting elements. The black and orange separation bands are complex and incorporate solid and hachured design elements as well as plant, bird, and animal figures.

The bowel was purchased at auction (sticker still attached) in the 1980s-1990s, and has had one owner since. The bowel has been on display in a non-smoking home in an open, yet protective display case. The vessel would be perfect for the current popular white decor/dark contrast farmhouse style, or anywhere there is a desire for texture, ethnic art, geometric symmetry, or a wish for natural earthy elements.
 
Melissa Concho Antonio's art is considered highly collectable. She likes to make traditional polychrome jars, bowls, seed pots and vases, and decorate them with designs that include animals and detailed black-on-white patterns. She has won many awards including First, Second, and Third Place awards at multiple shows including the New Mexico State Fair, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show in Espanola, New Mexico, and at the Annual Prescott Indian Art Market in Arizona.