About the Object

This three-color Zuni polychrome olla (water jar) features white slip with black and red painted decoration. The all-over-designed vessel is laced with intersecting hachured (rain lines) bands that form a pinwheel-like design. Viewed from above, the hachured bands create a star-like design. In between the points of the star are stacked triangles, some of which may form feathers. The wear of the rim could indicate that the water jar was utilized for its original purpose before being purchased as an art object.

Additional Information

The Pueblo of Zuni is an Indigenous homeland located in northwestern New Mexico. The A:shiwi (Zuni people) continue to observe their religious and cultural traditions, which are tied to their sacred homeland and the surrounding landscape. One expression of their cultural preservation is their art production of jewelry, paintings, and pottery.