Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1910-1915
Attributed to: Tsayutitsa (Mrs. Lahi) (c. 1871-1959)
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 29.2 × 36.9 cm (11 1/2 × 14 1/2 in.)
Weight: 3.9 kg (8.7 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.2805
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksOctavius Seowtewa during collection review visit Nov. 16 and 17, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 3”): This jar is remarkably similar to SAR.1979-6-3, which was made by Tsayutitsa. The form is almost the same and many of the design elements are very similar, especially the birds, which are nearly identical except for the fact that they have legs on SAR.1979-6-3 and don’t on IAF.2805. Furthermore, according to the catalog card, there used to be a note on a piece of paper associated with this jar that read “by Dsayutitsa.” The “deer” on this jar may actually be meant to represent elk because they have more branches on their horns than a deer would have.
The word for a water jar in Zuni is “k'yabokya,” which translates to “water container” 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:
"Pueblo Pottery: 2000 Years of Artistry"
- Pg. 596
- Fig. N/A
Gifts of Mother Earth
- Pg. 35
- Fig. 74
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.