Zia Pueblo Polychrome Small Olla [SOLD]

The colorful designs on this jar are capped feather elements.  They appear as orange steps outlined in black over which are semi-circular black caps and an extended triangle filled with parallel black lines.  The black designs suspended from the rim feature feather designs with a split down their centers and orange-colored floral elements hanging from the tips.

These designs seem to be a reintroduction of earlier Zia pottery designs that were most likely encouraged by traders, anthropologists and museum personnel in an attempt to influence potters to retain historic pottery designs and continue the traditions of their ancestors.

This jar most likely dates to the 1920s or 1930s.

Condition: very good stable condition after having a lateral crack professionally repaired

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman in Colorado

Recommended Reading:  The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon