Zuni Pueblo Olla with Frogs in Bas Relief [SOLD]

During the time that Indian Trader C. G. Wallace was active at Zuni Pueblo, in the 1920s and later, Zuni potters responded to the increased demand for pottery.  The 1920s was a revival period for pottery after a lapse of a couple decades of less interest.

This jar is typical of the enthusiasm potters had to provide pottery that would appeal to collectors, tourists and museums.  The more decoration, the better!  Appliqué frogs on the body of the vessel and plumed serpents around the neck were traditional design elements on both ceremonial and secular jars, but the addition of butterflies and, often, tadpoles was an attempt to appeal to a sophisticated market, and it did.  Jars such as this one were very popular with collectors and museums.

This jar probably is from the 1920s or 1930s and was most likely made to be sold.  There is no evidence that it was used at the pueblo prior to being sold.

Condition:  A vertical crack has been repaired as has the head of one frog.

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