18th Century Ashiwi Polychrome Jar [SOLD]

The Ashiwi Pueblo of Zuni was founded in 1705 and its pottery history is somewhat like that of Acoma Pueblo of the same period.  The Ashiwi Polychrome classification for pottery spans the decades from 1705 to 1760.  Ashiwi Polychrome jars are squat with a wide flaring mid-body.  It is interesting that the Ashiwi Polychrome jars are more related to the Tewa form than to that of Acoma.  Also, designs are quite related to those early designs from Zia Pueblo.  The feather motif is a good example of the connection to Zia designs.

According to Francis Harlow, the typical form of Ashiwi Polychrome jars is a depressed shape.  Typically, they have a concave base and a polished red-slipped under body.  The white slip is a rich creamy color that is stone polished.  The designs are executed in a very dark brown matte paint and the red paint of the design is thick and dark.  The rim top and interior of the rim are red.

This jar follows all the specifications listed above by Harlow.  It is of a squat form with a mid-body bulging out from the red underbody.  The design on this jar is phenomenally detailed and complicated and outrageously beautiful.  It is one of the most visual jars produced during the Ashiwi period.

Condition:  There has been some professional conservation and we are currently awaiting the arrival of photo documentation of the jar before conservation.  Those images will be published as soon as we receive them.

Provenance: ex. coll. Colorado historic pottery collector.

Referenced Material:  Matte-Paint Pottery of the Tewa, Keres and Zuni Pueblos by Francis H. Harlow.  Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe. 1973.

Recommended Reading: Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians 1600-1880 by Harlow and Frank.