Historic Zuni Pueblo Large OLLA with Rain Bird Designs

The Rain Bird Motif in a 19th Century Zuni Olla

This large olla, or water jar, is an excellent example of historic Zuni Pueblo pottery, most likely created in the 1890s. At just under fourteen inches in diameter, this olla is larger than average, giving it a powerful and impressive presence. The vessel form is typical of functional Zuni pieces from the period.

The potter employed two distinct design bands: one encircling the neck and another dedicated to the main body, creating a striking and spirited composition. Those familiar with Zuni pottery will immediately recognize the Rain Bird element, which appears three times on the vessel's body. The unknown potter expressed herself beautifully, with the birds' eyes and beaks serving as the most recognizable components before their bodies transition into flowing, complex geometric forms.

The vessel's high shoulder expands the body, allowing for the enlarged Rain Bird designs that the potter utilized to full advantage. The neck design echoes the spiral motif found within the Rain Bird.

The color palette is strong and appealing, featuring black and red pigments over a creamy white slip. The use of red pigment is minimal and highly strategic, primarily applied to the neck and shoulder area, with only minimal accents within the Rain Bird designs themselves.

This olla shows a distinct puki line (the mark left by the ceramic mold used to support the rounded bottom during construction) and a desirable pattern of light wear from decades of handling and use, most noticeable on the rim and base. This wear pattern will particularly appeal to collectors who appreciate the look and history of a fine, used, historic piece. It stands as a beautiful testament to the artistry of a late 19th-century Zuni potter.

The black and red pigments over a white slip results in a strong and appealing color palette. The vessel itself is beautiful, and the wear pattern will appeal to those who appreciate the look of a fine historic piece. This is an excellent example of historic Zuni Pueblo pottery.

The Rain Bird design was identified by H. P. Mera, who published a comprehensive study in 1937. Mera wrote, "Upon viewing, for the first time, a large collection of Pueblo pottery of the historic period gathered from the various villages where the art of the potter has been perpetuated for the last three centuries, one is very likely to be impressed by the seemingly endless variety of design. A more critical study, however, discloses the fact that in reality astonishingly few basic elements were employed to produce complex design structures." [Mera 1937:1] His point is well taken on jars with the Rain Bird design. As complicated as they can seem, many have significant similarities.

Mera further states that the Rain Bird design had its beginnings in the early centuries of the Christian era. These earlier designs were rudimentary, but one can see the beginnings of fine line elements with little attempt at organization. As time progressed to a thousand years later, these random designs began to assume more of a semblance of order. Eventually, the distal ends of straight lines began to curve, eventually leading to the volutes we see today in Zuni pottery. The execution of this design on this particular olla was a great success.

Condition: very good condition with expected wear pattern

Provenance: this Historic Zuni Pueblo Large OLLA with Rain Bird Designs is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Reference: THE 'RAIN BIRD': A Study in Pueblo Design by H. P. Mera. Memoirs of the Laboratory of Anthropology, vol. II. Santa Fé, New Mexico, 1937

TAGS: puki depression, Pueblo Pottery, Zuni Pueblo, old pottery