Zuni Pueblo Traditional Heartline Deer Olla [SOLD]

This very finely made vessel appears to date to the first quarter of the 20th century. It is a medium-size jar, smaller than the typical water jar.

It is undeniably Zuni in form, design, materials and character, and is an intriguing and typical example of Zuni artistry. The paste is typically Zuni, gray in color with a chunky texture, the temper being ground pottery shards. The underbody and neck interior are black-slipped, with white stone-polished slip on the exterior body.

The heartline deer in their protective houses and the elaborate medallions are all very typical Zuni design concepts for the period. Featuring a row of birds in a band between the stacked deer elements also is representative for Zuni design of this period; however, it is unusual to feature birds of two different characteristics. The orange bird without outlining that is shown in the center is the more typical of the birds seen on jars of this type. The two birds on the left and right of the orange ones are quite different in design and execution.

Characteristically, heartline deer jars feature the diamond neck design with extended elements from the two sides of the diamond.  In this jar, the potter followed tradition almost to the letter, but made changes that define her as an artist.

Condition: The jar is in excellent condition. There are some minor abrasions but they are not readily obvious and they are incorporated into the elaborate design.

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Traditional Heartline Deer Olla is from a gentleman from Oregon

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon