Torso-shaped 19th Century Canteen or Ceremonial Vessel [SOLD]

This is an imposing, aged figurine from the decade of 1880 or perhaps earlier. This excellent piece is hard to analyze because its function is lost to history. Zuni is known for producing many, many unusual shapes of vessels—be they bowls, canteens, effigy, or whatever.

This figurine, in the shape of a human torso, is superb in form, execution of design, and fantastic patina. It displays the wear of decades of existence but little of actual use. The semi-gloss patina is evidence of countless daily contact with the human hand and stains of daily wear.

It is understandable that most collectors steer toward collecting water jars and bowls of the historic period, but these unusual objects have a place in history too. They define a time, place, people and culture even if we are unable to unravel the mystery.

This vessel is Zuni in all respects, from the paste material, construction, and design elements. The numerous cloud designs throughout the body here depicted are ceremonial in origin, and the specific form itself could be ceremonial or perhaps just a whimsical attempt by an excellent potter who was tired of making the standard vessels repeated by Zuni potters ad infinitum.

This is an excellent vessel that can keep a collector intrigued for years to come.