This is a huge piece of pottery created by Anderson Peynetsa of the Zuni pueblo decorated with the deer on a walk design. The pot has three layers of heart-line deer running around the pot along with geometric, floral like designs. These are painted on a solid, polished white slip. This is a huge piece measuring 10 1/2 inches tall by 12 1/2 inches wide. It is an indispensable part of a serious collection of Zuni and Pueblo pottery.
Anderson Peynetsa is the brother of Priscilla, and the son of Wilma Jean Peynetsa. Anderson began making pottery in the eighth grade and in the last ten years or so has now developed into an outstanding craftsman. He is among the best-known potters at Zuni pueblo who work within the traditional style. This involves gathering the clay and the natural pigments used to paint the designs on the pottery from the area around the Zuni Pueblo. His thin-walled pots are hand coiled and fired outdoors (not in a kiln), and the designs on them are a progression of the traditional designs of his ancestors. Anderson is a master of interpreting the ancient designs to produce his contemporary themes. His jars are often large, but exude a remarkable appeal of smoothness and balance. His Walking-Deer design has made him famous, but he also makes whimsical Peering-Lizard pots in which the heads of a number of geckos extending over the rim of the pot. In making his pots, Anderson is often aided by his wife, Aurelia, who polishes his clay creations.