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 × 31.8 cm (9 × 12 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2.9 kg (6.5 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.1023
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 “neck” designs of this jar extend over the shoulder and halfway down the body of the jar, which is unusual. The designs are of rainbirds, corn, feathers, and rain hatching. The lower design band is divided vertically into seven boxes, which are then each divided diagonally. The designs inside of them are of combined feathers/stepped clouds. The rim of the jar shows some wear. The wear on the base does not appear to have resulted from normal wear, but it does not look like the same antiquing technique (sanding down) used on most of the other antiqued jars in the collection. Drips of a slip wash can be seen running from the base toward the rim. There is a large fire cloud on one side of the jar.
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. 37
- Fig. Plate X, 5
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.