This is one extremely large olla!!! Black Mesa is a type which was a precursor to Kayenta and dates from 875 - 1025AD. The ollas which are known are generally much smaller than this fine example. Please review the three pages from the Smithsonian Bulletin Number 65, Published in 1919.

1. Frontace Page (1st Picture) PHOTO 4

2. Page 130 (2nd Picture), "Shapes (2) Globular body with high neck" "Height averages 15", greatest diameter 14". PHOTO 5

3. BULLETIN 65, PLATE 53, the top olla is virtually identical to the one being offered. The example in the book is broken and glued with significant erosion problems at the bottom. Also the example in the book is only half of the volume of this 18 inch example. PHOTO 6

When I purchased this olla it was intact. While moving it from a vehicle the box slipped out of my hand and hit the ground causing the olla to split horizontally into just two pieces - about half and half. It has been glued together and the crack is filled. AS A RESULT OF THIS I HAVE LOWERED THE PRICE FROM $18,500 TO $9,800 NET. Unless you tell no one but you will know the two pieces were rejoined!

The olla looks absolutely the same as when it was whole. It is still a magnificent piece and far better than the example in the Smithsonian's book. The workmanship on this olla is excellent for the period and there is only one small piece broken out at the very bottom … this was generally caused by freezing water in the caves.