Historic Zia Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Birds [SOLD]

This is an outstanding Zia olla with four magnificent birds and floral elements around the body, between the brown rim and double framing lines. Note the long legs on the birds extending to the framing line. A wide red band below the framing lines helps complete the dating to 1885.

During the late 19^th century, this art form had been continually under one or another kind of deteriorating pressure from curio-minded tourists. Travelers sought cheap souvenirs, readily available at the moment. Potters responded by making small pots that could be finished rapidly so as to have pieces on hand. They were traditionally made, but little care was put into the design. They were aware that the tourists would purchase what was available and go home happy with their “authentic Indian curios.”

The potters are not to blame for allowing themselves to be debauched into curio-makers. They were very poor and they needed to make sales. If the market insisted on quaint souvenirs, the potters had to make them. Fortunately for today’s serious collectors, the potters continued making beautiful, traditional, vessels for their own use and to sell to museums and serious collectors. This jar is certainly one made with care and pride.

This jar, as with all Zia jars, incorporates techniques used for six centuries—specifically the use of crushed basaltic lava as temper. The use of the dark brown and orange mineral paints on the white slip offers a visually pleasing contrast. The wide red band underneath the design area is indicative of late 19^th and early 20^th century pieces.

Particularly pleasing about this jar is the simplicity of the design chosen by the potter. The diameter and height of the vessel allowed the artist to paint large and distinctive birds or she could have just filled the area with birds of a smaller scale and in larger quantity. Fortunately, she chose to limit the number and to make each bird significant. In so doing, she achieved a balance and elegance based on a minimalist approach. This is one of the most elegant and beautiful Zia jars executed at the time.