This bowl is remarkable for it’s kiva mural like imagery with which we get a rare look into these ancient Puebloan’s belief system. I interpret this complex,
composite creature as part avian, part bear, part Mountain Lion. The head has a sort of bird like beak, with bear or feline like ears. Out of the
mouth exits an arrow like object, often referred to as a heart line, indicating the exiting of a life force or some form of supernatural power.
Typically in Pueblo imagery these heart lines enter a creature instead of exiting it. On top of the head is another arrow like element, which
I interpret as an ornamental feather bundle worn on top of the head.. To the right of the creature’s head is a wing like element making up the
inner circle of the bowl. Below the head is the body decorated with zig zag lines scratched into the surface. These sgraffito elements also
reinforce the concept of supernatural power connected to this creature. Extending from the body is a bent arm ending with shell bead bracelets
and a fist studded with raptor like talons or possibly feline claws. At the bottom of the bowl are two parallel lines, whose interior is divided by
a line of dots bisecting the element into a red segment and an undecorated section of yellow slip. Perhaps this indicates a road or path.

These observation are mostly conjecture, but based on a rather extensive study of Puebloan belief systems and pictographic art. I believe that the
artist is depicting some kind of supernatural creature/being and some part of a mythic cycle. Feel free to have your own interpretation.

• click photo to enlarge