Zuni Pueblo Historic Pottery Canteen, c.1870s [SOLD]

This canteen tells its age in a couple ways: it has knob handles, a red underbody slip, and minimal red in the design. Amazingly, the hanging strap, made from twisted rope, is still attached and the wood plug at the mouth is still inserted.

The primary design is a medallion perched atop the face of the canteen. Progressing down the wall we see a pair of wide black bands, then a series of semicircle rows of design. A pair of thin black framing lines separate the design section from the red underbody. The designs of this canteen were executed in dark brown pigment over stone-polished cream slip, with minimal use of red pigment. The designs provide a marvelous addition to a small canteen, making it reflect its age and importance. Small canteens such as this were often used by men when tending fields or animals away from the home.

This canteen is a rare and marvelous example of functional Zuni Pueblo pottery, a testament to the craftsmanship of its maker. Its design is reminiscent of the knob-handled canteens illustrated in Lanmon & Harlow (pp.350-51), all of which are dated between 1870-1880, further attesting to its historical significance.

Condition: very good condition with normal wear patterns

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Historic Pottery Canteen, c.1870s is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Reference and Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo by Lanmon and Harlow, 2008. Museum of New Mexico Press

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Zuni Pueblo, Historic Pueblo Pottery