Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1860
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 31.8 cm (10 × 12 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2.4 kg (5.4 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Joseph Lindon Smith.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.393
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit February 17 and 18, 2010 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 4”): The rim of the jar shows wear and has three significant breaks (one is quite large, almost the entire height of the neck). The neck is relatively tall and nearly vertical; this may have been intended for the purpose of tying a cover over the jar. The neck is decorated with triangular cloud designs. The body of the jar is decorated with large, circular rainbird designs. In the two vertical bands in the body section, the horizontal designs indicate clouds on the horizon. The base is painted a solid dark brown. The jar is somewhat glossy; it was likely stone polished.
The word for a water jar in Zuni is “k'yabokya de'ele,” which translates to “water container vessel” in English. The intended use for these jars was to store and carry water, but they could also be used to store other items.
In Collection(s)
Bibliography:
The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo
- Pg. 137; 146
- Fig. 7.39; 8.6b
Pueblo Designs
- Pg. 45
- Fig. Plate XIV, 2
Matte-Paint Pottery of the Tewa, Keres and Zuni Pueblos
- Pg. 264 (text); 267 (photo)
- Fig. Plate 33, e
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.