Pair of Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Candlesticks [SOLD]

C4525-31-candle.jpg

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Potter Once Known
  • Category: Historic
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size:
    6-1/2” tall x 2-3/4” diameter base
  • Item # C4525.31
  • SOLD

This pair of Zuni Pueblo candlesticks appears to date to the first quarter of the twentieth century. The paste materials are typically Zuni; white and chunky in texture with the centuries old temper material of ground pottery shards. The use of old shards for temper evidences the regard of the pueblo peoples for the old works made by their predecessors. To add these remnants to the new work is a sign of respect.

The candlesticks are slipped in cream-colored clay over which dazzling arrays of triangles were painted in mineral brown, golden paints, and other pigments with parallel lines of red alternating with those of brown. The base and the rim are outlined in brown.

Candlesticks probably had their beginnings on the pueblo after the arrival of the Spaniards. Surely the candlesticks used in the churches were the first exposure the pueblos had to such formal containers for candles. The Franciscan friars probably asked for them to be made for use in the church. From there, their use was expanded to the home.


Condition: The handle of one of the candlesticks has been repaired at the top connection point.

Provenance: this Pair of Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Pottery Candlesticks was sold to a client in 2004 from whose estate we now have it back

Recommended Reading: Collections of Southwestern Pottery: Candlesticks to Canteens, Frogs to Figurines by Allan Hayes

Relative Links: puki depressionpotteryZuni Puebloold pottery

Alternate view of this pair of Zuni candlesticks.


Potter Once Known
  • Category: Historic
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size:
    6-1/2” tall x 2-3/4” diameter base
  • Item # C4525.31
  • SOLD

C4525-31-candle.jpgC4525-31-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.