Agnes Peynetsa (b. 1962) began making pottery in 1984.  She is the daughter of Charles and Wilma Peynetsa, wife of Berdel Soseech.  She is the sister of Priscilla Peynetsa and Anderson Peynetsa.  Agnes learned pottery making from Jennie Laate and her brother and sister. This small bowl is in the shape of Kolowisi, the feathered water serpent.  It is slipped red and painted ith black and white clay slips.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Agnes Peynetsa  93”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

“The Legend of Kolowisi:  The feathered or horned water serpent is a hero in Zuni because he saved the Zuni people from the flood. When the waters rushed into Zuni Pueblo, the people fled to the top of their sacred mountain, Dowa Yallane (Corn Mountain), to get above the flood. They were dying of thirst and starvation and so said prayers to each of the six directions, asking for rescue. Kolowisi heard their prayers and came from the West direction and rested his jaw on top of Dowa Yallane and regurgitated fresh water, meat and seeds and so saved the Zuni people. When the waters receded Kolowisi did not want to go back to the West and so he now resides in the underground lake in the South where the katsinas live.”.