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Water jar

Date: 1920-1928

Artist or Maker: Unknown

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 25.4 × 36.8 cm (10 × 14 1/2 in.)

Weight: 2.8 kg (6.25 lb.)

Medium: clay | paints

Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1928.

Place Made:

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

Object Number: IAF.1087

Not on view

DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar, three-color, white slip with black and orange painted decoration. The design includes three bands of Zuni-style design. The neck and body band have four cross hatched (rain line) and filled triangle-scroll motifs. The shoulder band has six un-bordered orange bird and black floral motifs. Orange underbody and interior rim. Concave base.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit November 29-30, and December 1, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 7”): This jar was used to carry water. The design and shape are Zuni inspired. The neck and body band have four repeating motifs. The shoulder band has six repeating birds, possibly road runners, and plant or floral motifs. There is a line break at the base and top border line at the shoulder.

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

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.