Zia Pueblo Historic Polychrome Pottery Jar with Split Arches

This historic polychrome pottery OLLA was created in the 1920s by an unknown Zia Pueblo potter.  It is strong in both form and design. The vessel’s shape is incredibly appealing. It is a classic water jar, with a rim that extends just a touch further than the norm.  There is about a half-inch of purely vertical rim extending from the jar’s graceful, curved shoulder. The jar is well-balanced and nearly symmetrical, with just enough variation to remind the viewer that this is a handmade item.  The potter who built this vessel was clearly very skilled.

Its designs are creative and beautiful.  Cloud designs circle the rim. An upper design band features split arches.  The arches land on a wide banding line, which separates the two design bands.  The lower design band uses pairs of water drops contained within cloud designs.  They reach out diagonally from the top of the band. Two flower petals hang from the corner of each design.  From the bottom of the band, the same designs emerge, but reversed, resulting in pairs of designs resting alongside one another.  These designs repeat smoothly and consistently around the jar’s body.

The jar shows considerable wear from use, none of which is problematic.  There are no cracks, chips, or stability-threatening issues of any kind. We see the minor but consistent wear and small abrasions that are to be expected of a well-used, well-loved water jar.  The jar’s smoky patina and series of small but dark fire clouds contribute to its beauty.

Condition: this Zia Jar is in excellent condition

Provenance: this Zia Pueblo Historic Polychrome Pottery Jar with Split Arches is from the estate of a former client

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

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Zia Pueblo, Historic Pottery