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Photograph by Peter Gabriel Studio. Copyright 2021-2022 Peter Gabriel Studio.
Stew bowl | Wolaya sa'leh
Date: c. 1890
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 17.8 × 36.9 cm (7 × 14 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Sarah Sage Holter, 1925.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.383
On view
at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit June 10 and 11, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 2”): The interior of this bowl is decorated with two kolowisis (feathered serpents). Their heads are in the bottom of the bowl and their tails extend up to the rim. The exterior designs are of cloud steps and bird elements, such as wings and tails feathers. Note the similarity of the kolowisi design on the interior of IAF.1361; it is possible the two bowls were made by the same artist.
This is a type of ceremonial bowl that was used to carry food such as stews to the kiva for ceremonies. (While food is still taken to the kiva, such bowls are rarely used now because of the possibility they may be broken while being handled.) When the food arrives at the kiva, it is poured into a larger communal bowl that will be eaten from in the kiva by the ceremony’s participants and then the bowl is returned to the owner. These bowls are often shared with other family members and can be passed down through generations. While this type of bowl is ceremonial in nature, it is not of a level of sacredness such that it needs to be kept from the general public. It has no access, publication, handling, or storage restrictions.
In Collection(s)
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.