4G 
INDIAN POTTERY. 
Figure 2. A large vase, and also an ancient offering to the spirit of the spring. Its rim is 
partially embattled. An encrusted piece is formed on the interior surface of the lip, and on it 
a frog in the act of leaping from the vessel, as if disturbed by some one’s approach. The 
outline of this vessel is identical with that of the classical cauldrons of antiquity and of our own 
times. Decorated by a different hand, and possibly in a different age or century from the pre¬ 
ceding, another variety of Batrachians is introduced. This introduction of figures of water 
animals on vases dedicated to the genii of fountains, is peculiarly characteristic and appropriate. 
Figure 3. A vase, which exhibits considerable taste in its outlines. It is five inches deep at 
the centre, ten across the widest part, and eight at the lips. There are four projecting pieces, or 
studs, at equal distances from each other, on the swelled part, as if designed to support the vessel 
on the perforated plate of a stove—a common practice of ancient and modern Peruvians. As 
usual, there are no signs whatever of the potter’s wheel having been employed in the fabrication 
of this or the other vessels figured. The material is a light clay, and but poorly burnt. Both 
surfaces have been coated with bright glazing, approaching to white, and, though cracked all 
over, it presents, in clear relief, the umber-colored decorations. This interesting vessel was 
also taken from the Zuhi fountain; and it is observable that the paintings on it are confined 
to appropriate subjects—the crested serpents being probably intended for rattle or water snakes.* 
The figures in the interior are slioAvn above— i. e., a frog, three snakes, and four tadpoles. 
Figure 4. A scoop or dipper from the Mojave tribe, and as neat and original an article in 
earthen-ware as could well be designed by a civilized potter. The material, and ornamental 
work are, of course, inferior. The shank is formed after the throat and head of a bird. The 
throat is hollow, and communicates with a perforation behind the open bills. It forms a weak 
rattle, having had some minute matters introduced before being baked. 
Figure 5. The shape of this vessel is derived from the double gourd, which it perfectly 
resembles, and which is so common in some parts of Texas and NeAv Mexico that it is in 
universal use by travellers. It is swung by a cord over the shoulders, or secured to the saddle 
by horsemen. It is the more valuable in warm countries, because the porous nature of the sub¬ 
stance allows sufficient evaporation, from the sides of the vessel, to keep the Avater cool within. 
The specimen is of modern Zuni manufacture. The figures painted on it are intended to repre¬ 
sent butterflies. 
Figures 6, 6. Two ancient vases, restored from fragments found on the Little Colorado. This 
class of earthen-ware is known to be of remote antiquity in America, as also on the eastern 
hemisphere. Colors are* seldom employed—the ornament consisting of raised and indented 
designs, someAvhat resembling our moulded glass-Avare. The uniformity with which the pat¬ 
terns are often Avorked out is surprising, rivalling, as they do, modern Avork. These fragments 
are, in every vieAv, interesting : the recurved lips are as neatly turned as if done on a wheel, 
and the material as regularly thickened and thinned at the edges. The plain bands that termi¬ 
nate the indented work are regular in width. The material is a light-colored clay, porous, and 
retains no indications of having been glazed. Altogether, the relics are fine specimens of the 
potter’s art in past times. Nothing like it is now made by North American Indians, but old 
Peruvian vases exhibit the same style of ornament. Fragments of encrusted pottery have also 
been found in the mounds of the Mississippi valley. (See also some on plate 40.) 
The animal vase (figure I) is from Zuhi. It Avas bought of an Indian by a messenger sent to 
purchase cantee.is or casks. Figures 5 and 7 Avere brought to the camp. The latter has been 
modelled in imitation of the Rocky mountain or indigenous sheep. Of the ordinary light- 
colored clay, it has had a white silvery glazing, which age or use has worn half off. It has 
been tolerably Avell baked, and rings well. Its capacity rather exceeds half a gallon. This 
° I do not know that, upon this continent, any animal has been found similar to that figured upon this Zuui vase. It 
would seem to be of Eastern origin ; for in Harper’s Magazine, among sketches from the ruins of Pompeii, there is the 
representation of a snake, with a tuft, like the one before us. In Egypt there is a horned snake quite venomous. It has 
the habit of burying itself in sand, and protruding its horns, probably to attract birds for prey. It is much feared by 
the natives. A. W. W. 
