Cochiti bird still bank c. 1890 - 1900

This Cochiti bird still bank is a fine example of Native American pottery, dating back to the late 19th century. The ceramic bank, in the shape of a bird with a distinctive, stylized design, would have been used by Cochiti Pueblo artists to store coins. The bank's surface is decorated with a pattern of black and white lines, which cover the entire object. The artist of this piece, though unknown, was a skilled ceramicist, creating this striking piece of art. It is currently held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.