Silas, Bobby – Large Zuni Water Jar with Heartline Deer and Rosettes

12"w x 9.5"h

$ 1,275.00

Bobby Silas is a creative potter reviving ancient designs for his contemporary pottery. He had originally learned to make pottery in 2004-5 when he attended Zuni High School.  While he is Hopi-Tewa, he is again living in Zuni and has made a series of pieces inspired by classic Zuni shapes and designs.  This jar has a classic form with a high shoulder, short neck, and slightly turned out rim.  The neck of the jar has a series of fine-line and checkerboard rain designs.  It is very tightly painted with bee-weed (black) and clay slips.  The body of the jar has three large rosettes painted on the piece.  Separating them are the classic heartline deer over a wave design.  The heartline deer are classic on Zuni pottery with the heartline signifying the center, spirit or, “heart” of the animal.  Below the wave designs are cloud and fine-line rain patterns.  The jar has a striking balance of both historic Zuni form and design with Bobby’s own stylistic deer and detailed paitning.  It’s great to see him reviving these designs with such strength, delving into the past for inspiration.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “Silas”.