Traditional Zuni Pueblo OLLA with Heart Line Deer [SOLD]

C4120B-zuni.jpg

+ Add to my watchlist Forward to Friend


Artist Unknown
  • Category: Historic
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size: 9-½” height x 11” diameter
  • Item # C4120B
  • SOLD

The heartline deer in their protective houses and the relatively simple medallions of this jar are all very typical Zuni design concepts for the early twentieth century period. Featuring a row of birds in a band between the stacked deer elements also is representative for Zuni design of this period. The orange birds without black outlining are the more typical birds seen on jars of this type.

Although the vessel shape is more globular than other jars of this period, It is undeniably Zuni in form, design, materials and character, and is an intriguing and typical example of Zuni artistry. The paste is typically Zuni, gray in color with a chunky texture, the temper being ground pottery shards. The underbody and neck interior are black-slipped, with cream polished slip on the exterior body.

Characteristically, heartline deer jars feature a diamond neck design with extended elements from the two sides of the diamond as shown on this jar.  Also, the dagger-like element is almost mandatory on Zuni neck designs.

Overall, this historic pottery jar is a traditional one from Zuni Pueblo with all the characteristics expected.


Condition:  this Traditional Zuni Pueblo OLLA with Heart Line Deer is in in good condition on the upper vessel but the underside black base has been broken and reassembled.

Provenance: from the estate of a family from Arizona who relocated to Santa Fe

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

Close up view of side panel designs.
Artist Unknown
  • Category: Historic
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size: 9-½” height x 11” diameter
  • Item # C4120B
  • SOLD

C4120B-zuni.jpgC4120B-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.