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Water jar

Date: 1986

Artist or Maker: Wanda Aragon (b. 1948)

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 18 × 22 cm (7 1/16 × 8 11/16 in.)

Weight: 0.8 kg (1.85 lb.)

Medium: clay | paints

Credit Line: Indian Arts Research Center purchase for the permanent collection, 1987.

Place Made:

Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America

Object Number: SAR.1987-5-3

Not on view

DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; four-color; white slip with red, orange, and black painted decorations. The design consists of an overall repeating four diagonally attached orange square motifs with inner red diamonds and black geometric motifs. Red concave base and interior rim. Kiln-fired jar made and signed by Wanda Aragon (Dzinats-ituwit's).
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit June 26-27, 2017 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 9”): The materials used to make this jar are natural traditional materials. Some of the participants believe the black paint may be commercial. However it was agreed by all the participants that the rest of the paints/slips are traditional. The orange paint may have some mica mixed into it.

According to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 26-27, 2019 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 12”): The shape of a water jar is characterized by usually having a concave base (can also have a flat base) leading to a wider body and shoulder area. The shoulder, which is typically rounded but can also be sharp, leads inward and up to the neck and opening of the water jar. Historic water jars will sometimes have an indentation from the base the pot was built on (also known as a puki).

Water jars of all sizes are made and used. Medium to small size water jars are more commonly used to carry water as the weight of a filled water jar can become quite heavy. Large sized water jars would be used for storing water. Today at Acoma, water jars are still being used and made in both traditional natural and commercial materials.

In Collection(s)

Acoma Collection

Bibliography:

Acoma and Laguna Pottery

Pg. p. 84, 231
Fig. 5.1

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.