Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Serving Bowl [SOLD]

Pottery at Zuni Pueblo has always served a useful purpose even after the potters started making it for sale to tourists and collectors.  This bowl by Nellie Bica seems to defy that statement as it does not seem that there is a functional use for a bowl whose side walls have been scooped out half way down the wall.  Even more startling is that Nellie Bica was a very traditional potter and it is surprising that she would deviate from tradition.

The bowl is beautifully made and decorated and is in very good condition.  There is one minor spall spot and a couple areas of very minute slip scaling.  It is signed with the potter’s initials.