Zia Polychrome Jar with Trios Polychrome Design [SOLD]

Typology designations of pueblo pottery have been assigned by noted authorities based on observed changes over decades. At Zia Pueblo, one of the earlier designations is Puname Polychrome (1700-1760) which was followed by the designation San Pablo Polychrome (1760-1820), then Trios Polychrome (1820-1860) and, finally, today's designation of Zia Polychrome (1860-present).

This jar is from the Zia Polychrome period with a Trios Polychrome design layout.  This design from the Trios Polychrome period (1820-1860) was so popular with potters and collectors, that the use of the design continued throughout the nineteenth century.  

The very bold spiral that predominates the body design has been named a capped spiral.  The leaf-like design on the interior of the spiral is referred to as a trident filling.  The Eiffel-tower-like design attached to the spiral are the “caps” referred to above.  The black element with two hooks at its top represents a seedpod. All of these design elements from the Trios Polychrome period are represented in this jar of the Zia Polychrome period.  

The designs on this jar compare favorably with documented Zia Polychrome jars of the 1890-1900 decade.

Condition: this Zia Polychrome Jar with Trios Polychrome Design is in very good condition

Provenance:

This jar was part of a collection of the Jacob Barth family.  Mr. Barth’s father, Solomon Barth, had a trading post and general merchandise store called Barth Mercantile in St. Johns, Arizona, around the turn of the last century (1800s).  Some of the Barth collection was given to the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. Other items were retained by the family.

When Mrs. Jacob Barth decided to move from St. Johns, she gave some of her collection to Father Michael Aten, the Catholic Priest in St. Johns.  Father Aten had taken care of Mrs. Barth when health problems occurred and they had become very close friends.

Father Aten passed away in 2000 and his possessions were left to his family.  His parents have now also passed away and the collection was passed on to his one sister and two brothers.  This jar is from his sister.

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