Exterior
Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Stew bowl | Wolaya sa'leh
Date: c. 1890
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Overall: 7.6 x 17.8 cm (3 x 7 in.)
Medium: clay | paint
Credit Line: Gift of Sheldon Parsons.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.151
Not on view
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 rim designs are of water waves. The design in the center of the bowl is of an interlocking angles design with cloud steps and rain hatching and four small rainbirds. The exterior is decorated only around the rim, with a red water ripple pattern.
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.