Tonto Polychrome probably developed out of earlier Pinto and Gila Polychromes. Bowls and ollas have flaring rims. Red and white slips are applied to the exteriors of bowls, but unlike Gila Polychrome, the interiors are undecorated but sometimes smudged. Designs are thickly painted in black and only in the white-slipped areas. Our example was an imported ware brought into the Mattocks site late in its history.

Characteristics

Paste: Brick red to tan
Temper: Fine water-worn sand
Surface: Red and white slips, well polished 
Forms: Bowls and jars, often very large
Design: Black designs painted over the white-slipped areas. Brushwork is bold and often careless, hatching is rare.

BOWL 12-1/2" diameter Mattocks Ruin Mimbres, New Mexico LMA 16176

BOWL (EXTERIOR DETAIL) Mattocks Ruin Mimbres, New Mexico LMA 16176