Adobe Gallery Blog
Historic Zuni Pueblo Terrace Rim Bowl with Handle - 25882
Category: Pottery | Posted by | Mon, Aug 22nd 2016, 3:26pm
Bowls of this style generally have a handle in the form of a rainbow that crosses the bowl from rim to rim. Rarely, if ever, are the handles attached to a terrace structure. Most bowls of this style have a footed base and four terrace projections. Designs are always associated with water creatures-frogs, tadpoles, dragonflies and the Avanyu.
These style bowls are regularly used in ceremonial functions but are occasionally made for sale to collectors. I once witnessed a traditionally-dressed Mudhead Katsina at Zuni walking on the edge of the highway carrying a bowl similar to this one. It is presumed that he was sprinkling sacred cornmeal as he walked. Bowls similar to this one were collected in 1887 for the Smithsonian Institution.