Zuni Pueblo Small Jar in Drum Jar Design [SOLD]

Zuni is the only pueblo known to have made pottery vessels for use as drums.  Generally, they are 18 to 24 inches tall and 15 to 16 inches in diameter.  The rim curves outward in a pronounced manner so as to form a ridge to secure a leather strap securely around the hide drum head that is stretched over the top of the pottery vessel.  The vessel is slipped entirely in white slip and with only the minimal decoration—usually just four heartline deer. 

This small jar is made in the likeness of a traditional Zuni drum jar, however, it is too small for such and the rim is not everted sufficiently to secure the drum head.  It is likely that a Zuni potter liked the drum jar design and chose to make a small jar of that style.  It appears to be circa 1920s.

Condition: very good condition

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.

Provenance:  from a family collection in California