Zuni Pueblo 19th Century Child-Size Pottery OLLA [SOLD]

Over the years, I have seen many Zuni Pueblo OLLAS and many that were most impressive, but this small child's water jar is certainly among the finest and most striking one I recall.  The vessel shape is rounded and curves into a gracious rim that ends in a bead of clay that overhangs the rim.

The painted neck decoration is the traditional design seen on most Zuni OLLAS, but the design on the jar is somewhat a departure in that there are no:

- houses containing the deer

- medallions separating the design

- small Zuni birds dividing the jar design in half  

Instead, the deer are presented to the viewer in large scale separated only by a floral-like element.  This is a refreshing change from the traditional Zuni design.

Condition: This Zuni Pueblo 19th Century Child-Size Pottery OLLA has a marvelous patination from decades of use.  Yet, it is still in marvelous condition in both the pottery vessel itself and the amazing design elements.

Provenance: From the private collection of a Santa Fe resident.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo by Francis Harlow and Dwight Lanmon

Relative Links: Zuni Pueblo, Native American Pottery