Jar

Date1965-1975

Maker Josephine Nahohai (1911 - 2006)

Painted by Nat Nahohai (1906 - 1990)

OriginAmerica, New Mexico, Zuni Pueblo

MediumEarthenware

DimensionsOH: 9 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Susan Buck in memory of Edward A. Chappell

Object number2021.900.4

DescriptionJar: earthenware jar, hand-built using coiled construction, painted with the “Deer in His House” motif that consists of deer within circular reserves interpreted as feathered houses or “nawe aw-an” alternating between two rosettes (hep-a-kyi-na). The base signed “JOSEPHINE NAHOHAI / ZUNI, NEW MEXICO”.
Label TextPottery is an important art form among the Zuni people. Traditional designs and coiling construction techniques continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Josephine Nahohai, who made this jar, learned to make pottery from her mother. To support her family, Josephine created pottery for sale to tourists, rather than the local Zuni community. Her husband decorated this piece using the Deer in His House motif (nawe aw-an”), a motif which dates to the 19th century and has been noted to be the most prolific motif among Zuni pottery patterns.
InscribedThe base signed “JOSEPHINE NAHOHAI / ZUNI, NEW MEXICO”.