About the Object

This three-color Zia storage jar features white slip with black and red painted decoration. The surface decoration of this rotund jar is set into two bands. The neck decoration includes connected patterns of red triangles and capped black triangles with either cloud motifs or rain lines. The body is separated by a black framing line and includes a bold red double rainbow band. The rainbow band, large hachures, upright black triangles, and zigzagging patterns of triangles possibly signify rain. Below the rainbow band rests a Zia-style bird with its talons on the stems of berry plants.

Additional Information

The Pueblo of Zia, or Tsi-ya, is an Indigenous nation located in north-central New Mexico. The Pueblo community carry on their living culture through the continuation of their traditions, artistic expressions, agriculture, and livestock raising.