Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1900-1920
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
21.6 × 24.2 cm (8 1/2 × 9 1/2 in.)
1.5 kg (3.25 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.945
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”): The designs on the neck are unusual. They look more like designs that would usually be painted on the body. The base of the jar is too small to be carried on the head and it appears to have been sanded down. The painting appears to have been done quickly (unevenly-spaced rain line hatching). The deer are anatomically-correct bucks, which is unusual, and their mouths are closed (deer with heartlines usually have their mouths open). The interior appears to have had whitewash slopped around inside. It is possible that it was commissioned or antiqued to make it appear older than it was.
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. 435
- Fig. 32.12
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.