Culture: Native American Tribe: Zuni Pueblo Date: Ca. 1900 Size: 9 inches diameter X 4 1/2 inches tall Description: A Zuni Polychrome Ceremonial Kiva Bowl, polychrome painted with large splayed frog in center framed by two large Avanyu on each side and tadpoles all with great painted faces. Dragonflies on interior terraces. Exterior With spotted splayed frogs and tadpoles with eyes. Terraces with native wear giving it a great look. Avanyu (also Awanyu), is a Tewa deity, the guardian of water. Represented as a horned or plumed serpent with curves suggestive of flowing water or the zig-zag of lightning, Avanyu appears on the walls of caves located high above canyon rivers in New Mexico and Arizona. Avanyu may be related to the feathered serpent of Mesoamerica Quetzalcoatl and related deities. Avanyu is a frequent motif on Native American pottery of the Southwestern United States.

Normal encrustation, wear and chips consistent with age. Terreces with native wear