Zuni White-on-red Olla, circa 1880 [SOLD]

“At Zuni Pueblo there was a rare style of pottery, Zuni White-on-red, that perhaps survived as a holdover from Prehistoric days, in which the entire surface of the vessel was slipped in reddish color and decorated with motifs in white paint. Surviving examples seem to extend from about 1800 to perhaps as late as 1900.” (Frank and Harlow p.144).

“One type, White-on-red, apparently evolved after the Smithsonian made its collections in 1884-1885. The largest group of this scarce type was collected around 1900.” (Batkin, p.164).

This jar is an excellent example of those described above. It has a concave bottom, and the main body of the vessel flares out to the mid body then rolls in and upward to a short neck. The decoration is confined to the upper part of the vessel. Between double framing lines at the neck and mid-body are curvilinear and stepped design elements. Below the mid-body pair of framing lines are dual curving lines representing clouds.

There is some abrasion to the red slip, confined mostly to the mid body bulge and to the area nearest the base. Additionally, there are a couple of rim chips; otherwise the vessel is in extraordinary condition considering its age.

References:
Frank, Larry and Francis H. Harlow. Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians 1600-1880. New York Graphic Society. 1974.

Batkin, Jonathan. Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940. The Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. 1987.