Small Polychrome Zuni Pueblo Frog Jar, circa 1920s [SOLD]

Pottery has always been a useful art form at the pueblos. Some pieces were made for utilitarian uses in everyday life chores and other pieces made for ceremonial purposes. Some even served both purposes. Designs on these pots were not arbitrary but had meaning.

Cushing, Stevenson, and Bunzel conducted several major studies of the symbolism of Zuni pottery designs. Although symbolism may be questionable in some pueblos, there is universal agreement among the Zuni informants to Cushing and Stevenson in the 1880s to 1890s and to Bunzel in the 1920s, that all designs on pottery are meaningful.

In an arid land such as New Mexico, it is understandable that efforts to control rain and secure moisture for crops were major concerns for the pueblo farmers. Therefore, water symbols and animals responsible for bringing rain were predominant symbols on pottery. Tadpoles, dragonflies and frogs associated with early-, mid-, and late-summer rains are commonly found on pottery.

Jars such as this small one were frequently made for home use as a repository for sacred corn meal that was a necessity in daily home ceremonies or prayers. Sometimes, they were made for sale, as well.

This small jar with three exquisitely formed frogs in relief does not indicate excessive wear from use. Interestingly, the frogs are in excellent condition. Quite often the frog’s heads have been broken off and restored in some manner; however, that is not the case here. The three frogs all have their heads turned sideways, which is a departure from most jars of this type where the frog’s heads are straight forward.

It appears that the white circles with black dots on the frog’s backs have been coated with a green substance. Informants have stated that this is a liquid residue from boiling evergreen boughs and its use signifies the jar was intended for ceremonial purposes. Once the ceremony is completed, the jar no longer qualifies as a ceremonial object but is a secular object available for sale.

Condition: The jar is in marvelous condition. It is approximately 90 years of age.