Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2007 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1875 - 1890
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
27.9 x 36.9 cm (11 x 14 1/2 in.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Elizabeth S. Segeant, 1923.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.7
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 piece is very lightweight. The rim of the jar is not very worn, but area directly below it is. The rim flares slightly to create a subtle lip; it is possible the jar was used for storage and a cover was tied to the rim, just beneath the lip, which would explain this pattern of wear. The designs are typically Zuni. The neck design includes feathers, clouds, rain hatching, and stars. The body design consists primarily of rainbirds. The narrow band wrapping around the middle of the body contains wave-like designs that represent water. The jar has been broken and repaired; this is difficult to detect from the exterior because it was extensively repainted. The repair paint was likely not fired.
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:
American Indian Painting
- Pg. 100
- Fig. 36
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.