Unknown Maker, A:shiwi (Zuñi)

The Zuni lived in adobe villages in the arid southwest, depending on uncertain river flow and seasonal rain for water. A relatively stationary farming people, they made pottery containers by the coiling method and painted them with yucca leaves. The base of this bowl is deeply indented so that it can be carried on the head, cushioned by a coil of cloth or yucca wrapped around the bottom. Characteristically Zuni is the division of the two design areas by a heavy black line which is broken by a vertical mark at one point. Called a "life line," it had be left open or broken so that spirit of the maker would not be caught inside the vessel. Reflected Zuni closeness with nature, the stomach of the jar is painted with three cloud and rainbird motifs; the neck displays four crook­with-stripes designs, representing ceremonial drumsticks, falling rain, and ears of corn. The bowl is worn around the rim from heavy use.