Zia Pueblo Very Large Polychrome Water Canteen [SOLD]

This is an extraordinarily large canteen from Zia Pueblo, created most probably in the first quarter of the twentieth century. This fine piece is coil-formed in native clay with the addition of crushed basaltic temper. The underbody is stone-polished red-slipped paste in a warm brick red color. A very wide red band is wiped on as a dividing line between the underbody and the decorated upper body, and it encompasses both handles and the spout.

Water-carrying canteens have been made by the pueblo people for several hundred years, long before the arrival of Europeans. Interestingly enough, the shape of canteens has changed very little in this time. Apparently, the users were quite satisfied with the vessel shape as it was.

The design field is slipped in a creamy white slip on which is prominently displayed a design strip down the center of the face that contains spiral elements and rain clouds, the strip being framed by a pair of wide orange bars.  On the sides of this strip are design panels containing tipped feathers, rain and clouds. 

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the estate of a prominent Santa Fe family

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