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Olla (water jar)

Native American, A:shiwi (Zuni)
1860s–70s
Object Place: Zuni, New Mexico, United States, Southwest

Medium/Technique Earthenware with red, black, and brown slip paint
Dimensions Overall: 16.5 x 25.4 cm (6 1/2 x 10 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Charles Greely Loring
Accession Number93.8
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsCeramicsPotteryEarthenware

DescriptionThis water jar is white, with borders, scrolls, and deer in red and brown. The bottom is black. The large mouth and full body give this pot a squat appearance. The paint appears to be fired on and depicts a repeating horse-like animal with various geometric motifs. The interior has traces of a powdery dark red paint or residue.
Marks P 9217
ProvenanceAbout 1884/1885, probably acquired in New Mexico by Clarence Pullen (b. 1850 - d. 1902), Boston [see note]; sold by Pullen to Charles Greely Loring (b. 1828 - d. 1902), Boston; 1893, gift of Charles Greely Loring to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 3, 1893)

NOTE: Pullen was surveyor general of New Mexico from 1884 until 1885.