Vallo, Ergil

Ergil Vallo (1959-2005) was a potter from Acoma Pueblo. He was of mixed Hopi/Acoma heritage. Ergil was known by most people as Dalawepi (Colors of the Rainbow). He mostly did sgraffito artistry on black pieces. His favorite designs were based on Hopi Kachinas, Mimbres-Revival animals, kiva steps and geometric designs. Then he had a method of tinting his sgraffito work in rainbow colors using ground minerals and natural pollens.

Ergil was a participant in the Gallup InterTribal Ceremonial and the New Mexico State Fair for several years, earning multiple ribbons at both.

Ergil always maintained that he was self-taught but he grew up watching everyone around him making pottery. His method of decorating his pieces in multiple colors was very unique.