Historic Zuni Pueblo Nineteenth Century Pottery Jar, circa 1850s

The Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Jar: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation

This exquisite piece of Zuni Pueblo polychrome pottery jar is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of the period from 1850 to 1890. The jar's most striking feature is its tall vertical neck, a characteristic trait of pottery from this era.

What sets this jar apart is its polychrome nature, which may not be immediately apparent in photographs. The neck and shoulder designs are adorned with a red pigment, subtly muted to blend seamlessly with the black pigments. This delicate interplay of colors enhances the jar's aesthetic appeal. The interior neck, left unpolished, is painted with black pigment, a typical feature of Zuni Pueblo pottery jars from the 1850s.

The jar's shoulder is embellished with crook designs extending from back-to-back triangles. These designs, as described by Zuni Pueblo potters, resemble drumsticks with curved heads, commonly used at Zuni Pueblo for their ability to produce a stronger drum sound.

Interestingly, the jar features a pedestal base, an unusual element for Zuni Pueblo pottery. While several bowls collected by Stevenson sport such a base, a jar with a pedestal base is a rare find. This unique feature could likely be an influence from outside the pueblo, adding a touch of novelty to the traditional design. Regardless of its origin, the pedestal base contributes to the jar's uniqueness, making it a beautiful example of historic Zuni Pueblo pottery.

Historical records, including those in the Smithsonian Institution Archives, indicate that Zuni Pueblo potters produced a vast quantity of pottery, with an impressive variety available. This fact is further corroborated by the collections of other museums, which house numerous examples of these exquisite creations.

The first Smithsonian expedition to arrive at Zuni came in 1879. It was led by James Stevenson, who was accompanied by his wife, Matilda Coxe Stevenson, one of America's first women scientists, and her rival, Frank Hamilton Cushing. They amassed large numbers of Zuni items, which, combined with those acquired from other collectors over the years (1879 to 1904), expanded the Smithsonian's anthropological collections to more than 10,000 Zuni objects.  

-Smithsonian Institution Archives

Condition: excellent condition, blacklight examination reveals no restoration or repair

Provenance: this Historic Zuni Pueblo Nineteenth Century Pottery Jar, circa 1850s is from a private Santa Fe, New Mexico, collection

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

TAGS: Pueblo Pottery, Zuni Pueblo, Historic Pottery