Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 22.9 × 38.1 cm (9 × 15 in.)
Weight: 3.2 kg (7 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.859
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 design elements of this jar are Zuni, with the body design consisting of rainbird-based motifs and two floral medallion (rosette-type) designs. The medallions however are unconventional because they do not follow the usual Zuni flower petal design. Rather, they have a Zuni four-sided star at their centers. The star designs are also different in each medallion. The base is barely worn and has very little chipping. It appears the base was smeared with mud, or may have been sitting in mud for a time. It is likely the jar was made for sale and not for personal, household, or ceremonial use in the community.
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:
Pueblo Designs
- Pg. 45; 47
- Fig. Plate XIV, 4; Plate XV, 2
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.