This early 1900s Acoma olla was decorated in its entirety in Zuni designs. For over a hundred years, Acoma potters have borrowed and reproduced Zuni designs. This trend seemed to be favorable in the 1890 to 1915 time period. Designs moved rather freely between Zuni and Acoma, no doubt due to their geographical proximity and probable historic connections.

Ruth Bunzel states that “Use of Zuni designs began at Acoma at the latter part of the 1800s, a time of increased tourism that probably stimulated Acoma potters to borrow and experiment to see what would be most marketable.”

Use by one pueblo of another’s design motifs has historical precedent. Rick Dillingham states “…before the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and the ultimate Reconquest of 1696, many design motifs were shared among the pueblos of the Rio Grande and Acoma-Zuni area, suggesting broad cultural connections. Following the Revolt, designs began to become more locally differentiated, perhaps in response to the decreased geographical mobility of Indians fearing Spanish reprisals.”

So we see a long-standing precedent for this most unusual and remarkable water jar of Acoma origin. All of the design elements on this jar can be traced to Zuni Pueblo. The jar was collected around 1920 (see provenance below) and is in remarkable condition. There is one small spall that measures 1/2-inch in diameter near the bottom of the design area, and some areas of white slip abrasion, but the integrity of the jar is remarkable.

Provenance: The Amelia McFie Collection

This olla dates to the 1920 period and was collected by Amelia McFie—one of the original Fred Harvey Girls. It is a beautiful Acoma jar with Zuni Pueblo designs. As it is the only piece of pottery in her collection of significant amounts of jewelry and Navajo rugs, it must have been very special to her. We are excited to have acquired it. Take a look at the second detail images for pictures of the beautiful Harvey girl Amelia McFie.

Amelia McFie's career as one of the original Fred Harvey company courier drivers began in the 1920s and spanned several decades. Many of the finest objects in her collection were collected in the 1920s, including wonderful selection of Navajo jewelry that she wore while on the job, bringing tourists to many of the most scenic areas of Indian country.

As a driver, she was required to be knowledgeable about the history, culture and arts of the Southwest. The jewelry in her collection was integral to her job, and wearing fine pieces while on duty was one way the Fred Harvey employees fostered a deeper appreciation for the native cultures of Arizona and New Mexico.