Late 1800s Zuni Pueblo OLLA with Heartline Deer [SOLD]

This beautiful olla was created by an unknown Zuni Pueblo artist, most likely around the year 1880. Many years of use and handling are evident in the jar's exterior and interior. For the collector who appreciates the distinctive look and feel of a heavily used piece, this olla will be a pleasure to view and hold. A consistent pattern of wear and abrasion covers the entirety of the piece, becoming heavier in certain areas around the rim.

There have always been strict guidelines at Zuni Pueblo regarding pottery decoration, yet each potter also has some degree of freedom. The things that seem to be traditional and inflexible are the manner in which the main body decoration and that of the neck are separated. According to information shared with Ruth Bunzel in 1924 and 1925, it is imperative that the first bit of decoration that goes on any Zuni jar be the black framing line or pair of framing lines that separate the neck from the main body. It is also imperative that this line or pair of lines not be connected. Today we refer to this as a "ceremonial break." Bunzel's Zuni informants were explicit in these statements.

Another noticeable aspect of Zuni jars is that there is little correlation between the design of the neck and that of the body of the vessel, except that a certain harmony is preserved between the two. Traditionally, the body of the vessel is divided into three horizontal bands—two of which are wide and one narrow. Here, the two wide bands contain repeating heartline deer symbols. In the upper band, they stand on flat framing lines as they feed on beautifully ornate plant designs. In the lower band, they stand within semicircular patterns—typical Zuni feather motifs—which hang down from the framing line above. The thin band in between features delightful red birds with long, curved tail feathers and black eyes. The neck's design band—separated from the body by both the aforementioned pair of lines and a mostly unrelated design pattern—displays particularly expressive executions of multiple traditional Zuni symbols.

A thick, dark fire cloud appears on the exterior, covering about a quarter of the piece in smokey gray and black. While some might not be drawn to it, we'd argue that it feels appropriate for this particular piece. The overall impression of the olla is intense and beautiful, and the fire cloud contributes to that intensity. The painted designs have a wonderfully bold, dark look; the vessel's form is similarly strong. The wear pattern will likewise appeal to certain people. Those who appreciate age, character, and rarity will recognize that this is an outstanding example of historic Zuni pottery.

Condition: Excellent condition for its age. One tiny rim chip appears to have been broken and glued into place. The jar has been examined under a blacklight and shows no additional signs of restoration or repair.

Provenance: This Late 1800s Zuni Pueblo OLLA with Heartline Deer is from a private collection

Reference: The Pueblo Potter: A Study of Creative Imagination in Primitive Art by Ruth Bunzel. Columbia University, New York.

Relative Links: pottery, Zuni Pueblo, old pottery