Historic Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Geometric Designs

This historic polychrome OLLA, or water jar, was made by an unknown Zuni Pueblo potter during the early 1900s. It has an appealing round form—nearly globular, with the exceptions being the flat base and upturned neck. It is smaller than the typical functional olla but larger than that which we'd refer to as a child's" jar.

The potter chose to create two design bands, which are separated by a pair of lines with a ceremonial break. The upper band displays repeating pairs of step elements, which are outlined in black and filled in with red hachured patterns.

The lower band, which is larger and covers more than two thirds of the exterior, uses a more complex pattern. The primary element here is a jagged winding band, which curves up and down as it circles the olla. Its path and the various geometric shapes into which it shifts repeat multiple times around the olla's exterior, aligning with the repetitions of the red designs up above. The composition as a whole is bold, displaying the potter's confidence and skill while working with traditional Zuni elements and ideas.

Condition: Light wear from handling. Blacklight examination reveals some restoration—a long, curving stabilized crack and a stabilized rim crack.

Provenance: this Historic Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Olla with Geometric Designs is from a client of Adobe Gallery

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

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