Zuni Pueblo Pair of Pottery Moccasins [SOLD]

There is evidence that pottery moccasins were made at Zuni Pueblo at least as early as the 1870s as Stevenson commented on them during his 1879 expedition. Why were they made?  There is evidence that some might have been used as paint pots, particularly ones with handles on the rear.  Pairs were probably made as sales items to tourists.  These earlier ones seem to cease appearing around circa 1900.  Later ones were made during a pottery revival period.

The 19^th-century pottery moccasins were made in correct form, the left and right being clearly illustrated.  In this pair, pottery buttons represent traditional silver buttons.  Pottery moccasins were discovered in the Hopi village of Sikyatki, which was abandoned in the early 1500s, so there is precedence for their existence other than as items for tourists. 

Typical Zuni pottery designs were used on the moccasins and the soles are painted black as is traditional on vessels.

Condition: very good condition with a chip on the back of one moccasin and some abrasion and wear to the painted design, not unusual for items over 100 years old.

Recommended Reading: 

The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

Collections of Southwestern Pottery: Candlesticks to Canteens, Frog to Figurines by Hayes and Blom

Provenance: Sold to a client of ours in Colorado from whose estate we now have them back for re-sale.