Skip to main content
Olla, c. 1920
Zuni people; New Mexico
Shell, clay, antler, rawhide, bone, corn and alabaster;…
Vessel
Olla, c. 1920
Zuni people; New Mexico
Shell, clay, antler, rawhide, bone, corn and alabaster;…
Olla, c. 1920 Zuni people; New Mexico Shell, clay, antler, rawhide, bone, corn and alabaster; 10 x 12 1/2 in. F78.33.1

Vessel

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels
Culture Zuni
Datec. 1920
Made AtNew Mexico, United States, North America
MediumShell, clay, antler, rawhide, bone, corn pollen and alabaster
Dimensions10 x 12 1/2 in. (25.4 x 31.8 cm)
Object numberF78.33.1
DescriptionZuni Fetish jar. Clay, feathers, bone, antler, turquoise, coral, shell, serpentine, rawhide, chalcedony, and alabasters. Narrow circular base expands to wider central section and narrows again at top of jar. Bound at upper rim with rawhide strips to which four feathered fetishes, one partially missing, are fastened. An antler fetish is fastened to the base of the jar adjacent to the "feeding hole' through which a white alabaster horse fetish stained yellow with corn pollen is fed. Zuni ceremonialism is maintained by six esoteric cults in addition to the Zuni ancestor cult to which all Zunis belong. The fundamental purpose of all Zuni ceremonies is to maintain and promote the harmony of nature and man's oneness with the universe, by which sufficient rainfall, bountiful harvests and a long and prosperous life for the people may be assured. Fetish jars such as this were, and still are, used by a number of Zuni clan societies in a variety of ceremonies. Sometimes they were buried in the ground, thus acounting for the fine patination and incrustation seen on this specimen. Label cc added for 36/86: Ex Collection L. Frank, Taos, New Mexico. Ex Collection Lee Mullican, L.A.
On View
Not on view
Olla with Band of Orange at Base, c.1890
Acoma or Zuni culture; New Mexico
Clay and pigment; …
Acoma
c. 1890
Rabbit Foot Charm, mid 20th Century
Zuni culture; New Mexico
Rabbit foot and beads; 3 1/2 in.…
Zuni
mid 20th century
Zuni Girls with Water Ollas, 1895
Printed by F.H. Maude & Co.; Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico
Phot…
F.H. Maude & Co.
1895
Six Story Houses, Zuni Pueblo, 1898
Printed by F.H. Maude & Co.; Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico
Phot…
F.H. Maude & Co.
1898
Zuni Man on Burro, 1895
Printed by F.H. Maude & Co.; Arizona or New Mexico, United States
Pho…
F.H. Maude & Co.
1895
Fetish Bust Figure, 20th Century
Kusu culture; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, rawhide…
Kusu
20th Century
Bateba Phuwe Figure, 20th Century
Lobi culture; Burkina Faso
Wood and patina; 18 3/4 x 5 1/4 …
Lobi
20th Century
Yaka Janus Figure, 20th Century
Yaka culture; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood; 10 5/8 x…
Yaka
20th Century
Bateba Phuwe Figure, 20th Century
Lobi culture; Ghana
Wood; 30 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 4 7/8 in.
96.72…
Lobi
20th Century
Basket with Band of Figures Holding Hands, c. 1920
Tohono O'odham culture; Southern Arizona
Y…
Tohono O’odham
c. 1920
Mask, 20th Century
Toma or Loma culture; Liberia
Wood, fiber, leather and metal; 15 × 3 7/8 ×…
Toma
20th Century