Well-Used Historic Zuni Pueblo Terrace Bowl [SOLD]

Rarely have ceremonial bowls of this vintage and demonstrated use, been available on the market. This bowl shows evidence of decades of use for its intended purpose in the kiva. The vessel walls have been worn thin, the temper is visible within the walls, the interior and exterior surfaces have lost their original slip, yet, the bowl is whole and the designs are clearly visible. It is remarkable that the wear to the surfaces has been confined to the upper regions of the bowl, leaving the lower half in still marvelous condition.

The interior design was and is limited to eight tadpoles. The exterior designs feature four animals, all of which have heart lines. It is possible that they are animals of the four directions: a mountain lion (north), a gray wolf (east), a brown bear (west) and a badger (south).

The interior designs of tadpoles are typical water creature elements associated with all terrace rim ceremonial bowls. Such bowls always feature water creatures. The animal fetishes on the exterior of the bowl are more unusual for a terrace rim bowl. Designs on the exterior usually are water creatures, as well.

It is quite possible that this bowl was used by a hunting society as an initiation bowl or a ceremonial bowl related to hunting activities. This, of course, is speculation on my part. I consider this one of the more unusual terrace rim bowls I have ever seen, and the significant wear patterns certainly attest to it use for decades.