Adobe Gallery Blog

Designs on pueblo pottery were influenced by many outside sources starting as early at the mid-1800s. Floral elements, birds, deer, and other designs could easily have been influenced by Spanish colcha designs as well as pottery designs from Mexico. It was also evident that potters borrowed designs from pueblos other than their own.

The heartline deer design was first seen at Zuni Pueblo, but later appeared on pottery from Acoma, Laguna and Zia Pueblos. Intermarriage between pueblos also contributed to designs appearing where they never appeared before.

This Acoma jar is completely covered with Zuni design elements. The orange/red fine lines in the A-frame areas are most typically Zuni in origin. The entire layout of the design is typical of Zuni arrangement, yet the pot is from Acoma Pueblo. It is not as thin-walled as Acoma pottery generally is so it is possible that a transplant potter from Zuni or another pueblo moved to Acoma and practiced the art of making Acoma pottery but had not yet achieved the expertise of creating thin walls.

The jar is a beautiful example of a well formed vessel and a beautifully arranged design. It is in excellent condition.

Subject: Acoma Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Zuni Designs
Potter Unknown
Category: Contemporary
Origin: Acoma Pueblo
Medium: Native Materials
Size: 6-3/4" tall x 9" diameter
Item # C3064B