Adobe Gallery Blog
Historic Zia Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Birds and Rainbows - C3753.66
Rainbow arcs began appearing on Zia pottery around 1880. They are often presented in red outlined in black, and less often in ochre outlined in black. This jar has simple rainbow arcs in red outlined in black, and attached to the rainbows are capped triangles partially filled with black.
Birds began to appear on Zia Pueblo jars as early as 1820 and continue to be used today. They became more prominent beginning in the 1870s, usually associated with floral patterns and rainbow arcs, as they are here. There are two birds under rainbows and two without rainbow protection. The birds have orange bodies with black feathers on their heads. They have the typical round eyes. The birds under the rainbows are accompanied by floral elements with split leaves. The birds without rainbow protection have no floral elements.