Cochiti Pueblo Terrace Rim Bowl with Avanyu [SOLD]

Terrace rim bowls are generally considered to be of a ceremonial nature—that is they are used for ceremonial purposes.  The shape of this historic bowl represents the earth and the peaks of the stepped rim represent the mountains.  The painted Cochiti Pueblo design on  this Southwest Indian Pottery bowl is a pair of Avanyu—mythological water serpents. 

Ceremonial bowls and jars most often are decorated with water creatures—dragonflies, Avanyu, tadpoles, frogs, and other animals or insects.  A ceremonial bowl is considered ceremonial only during the time it is being used ceremonially.  After use, it is no longer ceremonial and there is no restriction on it being available to sell.  Also, many bowls of a ceremonial style have been made for sale and not for use at the pueblo.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading: A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti and Santo Domingo Pueblos.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.