Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Zuni Water Pot, late 19th early 20th century |
Description |
This is a handmade Zuni ceramic water vessel with a flared rim and painted designs in black and red on a white slip. The surface features three symbolic heartlines- at the rim, shoulder, and base- representing the breath of life. Decorative motifs include stylized clouds, stars, flowers, and a rare depiction of a female deer and fawn within a structure (symbolizing "Deer-in-the-house"), representing fulfillment, blessings, and spiritual strength. This design combination is atypical, as male deer are more commonly shown in such scenes. The materials it's composed of consist of a white slip, possibly kaolin, black paint (hematite mixed with an organic binder, and red paint (red iron oxide mixed binder); the interior is unpainted, and the clay source is unknown, but most likely comes from a local Zuni source. The iconography reflects Zuni cosmology. The neck: The heavens, with clouds and rain motifs (hatched red lines) and stars (celestial guides or ancestors). Middle: Earthly realm with deer (life breath, fertility, strength), blooming flowers (gendered duality, pollination), and way black/red bands symbolizing water and wispy cirrus clouds. Base: The underworld and lower spiritual realms. |
Date |
1920s-1930s |
Year Range from |
1920 |
Year Range to |
1930 |
Medium |
Ceramic |
Technique |
Hand-Coiling |
Collection |
Archaelogical Artifacts |
Catalog Number |
2025.028.001 |