Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2015 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar
Date: before 1994
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 15.2 × 20.3 cm (6 × 8 in.)
Weight: 1 kg (2.1 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Sallie Wagner, 1994.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: SAR.1994-5-66
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit May 11-13, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 6”): This jar is made with natural Acoma materials and paints. It is a four-color polychrome and appears to have been fired outdoors which is evident from the fire clouds. The white colored deposits near the rim show it was used as a water jar. It is likely that this jar was used only for carrying water and not storing it as there is very little wear on the bottom of the jar. The base has a deep concave for sitting the jar on top of the head. This may have been used for cultural purposes – carrying water to the fields. The neck has six panels of design and the body has five panels. There is a pathway break above the base.
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)
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.