Matsaki Polychrome Olla, circa 1650-1680 AD [R]

Matsaki polychrome was produced in the villages of Zuni from around 1475 AD until the time of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. At first glance, Matsaki pottery looks much more like a creation from Hopi, 100 miles to the northwest, rather than the Zuni glaze-wares that preceded it. The design shows heavy influence of Sikyatki polychrome from the same period, but the gray clay body and yellow slip indicate that this is definitely a product of Zuni.

This olla’s late date in the 200-plus year history of Matsaki ceramics was assigned for several reasons. The very distinct flat shoulder of the vessel and high neck are typical for ollas manufactured around the time of the Pueblo Revolt. The other late characteristic is how the iconography is becoming more geometric and precisely drafted rather than the more “sloppy” free style of earlier Matsaki pieces.

The design field consists of two elements. The motif that is facing the viewer in the above photo (and repeated on the opposite side) is a stylized bird form with an abstracted wing pointing to the left. The other motif consists of three circular forms, a central red dot flanked by black semicircles and parallel lines over a large square of red. When viewed straight on, the figure shows a strong resemblance to a katsina mask. The design field is set off from the rest of the vessel by framing lines with a prominent ceremonial line break in the lower line.

The vessel has had a dime-sized piece of plaster repair at the rim and shoulder, but is otherwise in original, as-found condition. There is some minor slip loss and spalling of the interior, which are to be expected for a pot of this age. The vessel was legally obtained on private land and a release will be included with the purchase.