Small Zuni Jar with Frogs in Relief [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 was a major concern 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.

Bowls 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 two exquisitely formed frogs in relief shows significant wear from use. The cream slip has worn away on about 30% of the surface and the red triangular designs are somewhat abraded or missing. Interestingly, the frogs are in excellent condition, perhaps because of the extra thickness of the clay needed to make them in relief. There is no doubt that this jar was used for decades before leaving the pueblo. It is one of the finest of the small ceremonial containers we have seen.