Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Zuni Sacred Spring, New Mexico - Litho from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856

About the Item

Title: Zuni Sacred Spring - Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856 Description: This lithograph, "Zuni Sacred Spring," presents a rare and evocative depiction of a sacred site of the Zuni people, emphasizing the cultural and natural significance of this landmark. Published as part of the Pacific Railroad Exploration Survey reports of 1856, the scene captures a stone-encircled spring, symbolizing the spiritual and ceremonial importance of water sources in the arid regions of the American Southwest. The composition focuses on the stone structure surrounding the spring, meticulously constructed with rounded rocks that appear weathered and aged. The serene setting is framed by rugged cliffs and sparse vegetation, highlighting the interplay between human ingenuity and the natural environment. The lithograph pays tribute to the Zuni’s connection with their landscape and the sacred traditions associated with such sites. Produced by Sarony & Co., this tinted lithograph employs subtle shading and warm tones to convey the texture and depth of the scene. The attention to detail in the stonework and surrounding terrain reflects the skill of the lithographer and the importance of documenting such cultural landmarks during the mid-19th century. Additional information: The Zuni Sacred Spring, once maintained by the Zuni Frog Clan, was a significant cultural and religious site for the Zuni people. Located near the Black Rock area on the Zuni Indian Reservation in New Mexico, the spring measured approximately 15 by 20 feet and featured terraced ledges beneath its surface, where special pottery bowls were placed for offerings. During the construction of the Black Rock Dam in the early 20th century, this sacred spring was desecrated and subsequently submerged under the waters of the Black Rock Reservoir. Over time, silt accumulation buried the spring beneath the reservoir. The Zuni River, which flows through the reservation, is also considered sacred by the Zuni people. Every four years, a religious pilgrimage is made along the "Barefoot Trail" to Kołuwala:wa, or "Zuni Heaven," located at the confluence of the Zuni River and the Little Colorado River. These sites hold profound spiritual significance for the Zuni, reflecting their deep connection to water sources and the natural world. Condition: Very good, with minimal foxing on the margins. The image remains clear and the colors well-preserved. Framing Tip: Use a cream or light beige matte to complement the warm tones of the lithograph, paired with a wooden or antique-style metallic frame. This piece is ideal for a collection centered on Indigenous history, cultural heritage, or Southwestern landscapes, offering a meaningful and historic glimpse into the Zuni people's spiritual practices.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.15 in (20.7 cm)Width: 11.15 in (28.3 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1856
  • Condition:
    Condition: Very good, with minimal foxing at the margins. The image is crisp, and the colors remain vivid and well-preserved.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14038-201stDibs: LU3054343476212

More From This Seller

View All
Shyenne River Landscape - Tinted Litho from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Shyenne River Landscape - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856 Description: This detailed lithograph, "Shyenne River," presents a sweeping view of the p...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Fort Okinakane - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Fort Okinakane - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856 Description: This historic lithograph, "Fort Okinakane," offers a glimpse into life at one of th...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Sauk River Landscape - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Sauk River Landscape - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856 Description: This serene lithograph, "Sauk River," presents a picturesque view of the lush a...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Mouse River Landscape - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Mouse River Landscape - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856 Description: This serene lithograph, "Near Mouse River," captures the gentle undulating hi...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Tinted Lithograph of Pike Lake in Minnesota, Railroad Exploration Survey, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Picturesque Lithograph of Pike Lake, Railroad Exploration Survey, 1856 Description: This charming lithograph, "Pike Lake," (Minnesota) offers a serene view of a calm lake...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Tinted Litho of Metamorphic Rocks at the Border of the Colorado Desert, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Tinted Lithograph of Metamorphic Rocks at the Border of the Desert, 1856 Description: This striking lithograph, "Metamorphic Rocks - Borders of the Desert," captures the r...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Sam Maitlin Member of the Mob #2 Litho
By Sam Maitin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sam Maitlin Member of the Mob #2 Signed and numbered Lithograph. In nice original condition. Series that you don't see as often.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Mexican Print by David Siqueiros from the Pablo Neruda Canto General Series
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional print by important Mexican artist, printmaker, and muralist, David Siqueiros. The print is from his sought after series done as illustrations for the Canto Gereral book...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of the Baltimore-Washington Railroad, circa 1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great print of the Baltimore-Washington Railroad Steel engraving after the original drawing by W.H Bartlett Published, circa 1850 Unframed. Minor crease to top right corn...
Category

Antique 1850s English Other Prints

Materials

Paper

Mexican Print Framed by David Siqueliros from the Pablo Neruda Series 1950/1960
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional print from the noted Mexican muralist, painter, artist, David Siqueiros, c. 1950/1960's. The print is hand signed, numbered 7/200, and framed - Published by Mourlot Par...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Lithograph of "The Umbrella Men from Dances of Mexico" by Carlos Merida, 1939
By Carlos Mérida
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"The Umbrella Men from Dances of Mexico" 1939 by Carlos Mérida, Guatemalan, 1891-1984 signed in pencil artwork is loose and comes with the original mat and backing image size: 10.5...
Category

Vintage 1930s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries, 1763
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique 18th century map of the North American seaboard. Entitled "A New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries 1763". By the Cartographer/Engraver - John Spil...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Maps

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All