Zuni
At the time of first contact with Europeans, at least seven villages were known for excellent pottery, including Hawikuh and Matsaki. Before the Pueblo Revolt, Zuni potters made glazeware. In the 18th century, they gradually switched to iron oxide black paint and red clay on a white kaolin slip. Two main design bands around the neck and belly of their pots featured floral and geometric designs. As early as 1860, a Zuni pottery design of a deer with a red heartline first appeared, followed by scrolls, rosettes and birds. Frogs, tadpoles and Water Serpent designs soon were painted on pots, especially on cornmeal bowls with terraced rain cloud rims. From the 1920s-50s, pottery making at Zuni was carried forward by Tsayutitsa, Catalina Zunie, Mrs. Lahi, Eloise Westika, Josephine Nahohai and Nellie Bica. Figural pottery grew in popularity. Zuni owls became favorites among early collectors. In the late 1960s-70s, classes were taught by Hopi-Tewa potter Daisy Nampeyo Hooeee, who married into Zuni Pueblo. Beginning in 1979, Acoma potter Jennie Laate, who also married in, taught pottery classes at Zuni High School, followed by Noreen Simplicio.
Source Information: Volume Four, American Indian Art Series, Southern Pueblo Pottery, 2,000 Artist Biographies, by Gregory Schaaf, Ph.D.,
