Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar
Date: 1870-1880
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 28.5 × 34.6 cm (11 1/4 × 13 5/8 in.)
Weight: 3.4 kg (7.55 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of R. M. Tilghman, 1957.
Place Made:
Valencia, Cibola, Bernalillo, and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.2720
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit May 22-24, 2018 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 11”: The exterior of this jar is very shiny. It could be that the artist applied animal fat to the exterior. This would also explain the yellowing of the white slip on the exterior as well. This jar was likely used for carrying and storing water. There is a pine pitch repair. The split rectangles in the design could represent steps. There is a line break in the lower framing lines.
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)
Bibliography:
Acoma and Laguna Pottery
- Pg. p. 147, 213
- Fig. 6.11
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.