Zuni Pueblo Contemporary Heartline Deer Pottery Jar by Avelia and Anderson Peynetsa [SOLD]

This contemporary Zuni Pueblo pottery jar was made by Avelia and Anderson Peynetsa, a married pair of potters.  It uses a stylish, modern version of a classic Pueblo design: the heartline deer.  The Peynetsa’s heartline deer are lean and wiry, with huge, expressive eyes.  Thin, precise lines signify eyes and ears.  The red heartlines’ arrow edges curve gracefully away from the center lines, like leaves peeled away from ears of corn.  The deer’s long necks and heads are turned upward, slightly, as the heartlines enter.  The group of deer as a whole, circling the jar together, has an appealing rhythm.

Anderson Peynetsa (b.1964) was one of the star students who learned pottery making from Jennie Laate, the high school arts teacher at Zuni.  He entered her class in 8th grade, progressing through the beginning, intermediate and advanced courses.  Avelia Peynetsa (b.1964) is the great-granddaughter of the famous potter, Catalina Zunie.  She also attended Jennie Laate’s ceramic classes at Zuni High School.

Anderson and Avelia collaborate on pottery and, on those pieces, they sign AA Peynetsa, as on this jar.  It is dated 2002.  Individually, Anderson and Avelia have each won many prizes—Santa Fe Indian Market Zuni Show, Museum of Northern Arizona, and Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Shows.  

What is a Heartline?  The heartline is used primarily by Zuni Pueblo potters and can be seen in many animals – usually a deer (heartline deer).  The line from the mouth to the heart signifies the "breath of life."

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Contemporary Heartline Deer Pottery Jar by Avelia and Anderson Peynetsa is from the collection of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: Zuni Pottery by Marian Rodee and James Ostler

Relative Links: Zuni Pueblo, Catalina Zunie, Jennie Laate, Agnes Peynetsa, Contemporary Pottery, Avelia and Anderson Peynetsa