Collection: Fenn

Item Number: FCHP178

Category: Pot

Region: Southwest

Tribe: Zuni Pueblo

Period: 1875-1900

Materials: Mountain lion, badger and bobcat claws, talons, teeth arrowheads, buckskin, feathers, antlers, clay, blood, shell, ground turquoise, dew claws, stone fetishes, and corn meal.

Description: This fascinating artifact is a Zuni Hunting Society jar made around 1900 or earlier. Pots of this type are popularly believed to be made using the blood of predators mixed with the clay to produce the peculiar black color. These jars generally were used to store hunting fetishes that were fed corn meal through a hole in the side. This one, however, contains twelve necklaces, two armbands, and ankle bracelets that are adorned with claws, arrowpoints, and similar artifacts associated with the hunt. Four carved antler guardian fetishes are tied around the outside of the pot.

Dimensions: Height 7 inches width 11 inches

References:

Hanson, James A., Spirits in the Arts: From the Plains and Soutwest Indian Cultures, The Lowell Press, Kansas City, 1994, pp 176

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