Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Stew Bowl with Stand [SOLD]

This is a very traditional Zuni Pueblo 19^th century serving bowl.  The decoration was applied to the interior and exterior as is typical of Zuni bowls.  The interior decoration begins with a brown rim below which is a wave-like element encircling the bowl that is painted red and outlined in brown. Below this are two wide parallel framing lines with a very distinctive ceremonial break. Traditional Zuni volute design elements fill the interior of the bowl down to the bottom, which then has a double circle outlining an otherwise undecorated center.  The exterior is decorated with the traditional prayer stick design used on every Zuni bowl made in the nineteenth century. It is thought that this was a woman's way to place her prayers since women do not make prayer sticks.

The rim of the bowl curves outward slightly, imparting a graceful shape to what otherwise could be an uninteresting one. The interior of the rim flexes slightly, an unnecessary added feature that enhances its shape. The bowl is slipped in traditional fashion with cream-colored clay, over which are painted the designs in mineral and vegetal paints. The underbody is slipped in black, a tradition starting in the mid-1860s and continued to today.

This is an outstanding small bowl of extraordinary beauty.  It comes with a specially-made metal stand that permits it to be displayed at a slight angle permitting visual access to the interior design.

Condition: The bowl is in excellent condition.  There was apparently a small rim chip which has been repaired in a Native fashion with piñon pitch.

Provenance: From the private collection of a Santa Fe resident.