Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2015 School for Advanced Research.
Jar, miniature
Date: 1950-1960
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 4.1 × 4.7 cm (1 5/8 × 1 7/8 in.)
Weight: 39.3 g (1.39 oz.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Kenneth M. Chapman, 1965.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.3046
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit May 9-11, 2017 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 8”): The participants believe this jar was likely made by a child or someone who was just learning how to make pottery. Typically when someone is learning to make pottery they will make small pieces similar to this one.
According to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 26-27, 2019 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 12”: Miniatures came into production primarily as a tourist trade item. With the arrival of modern transportation, such as the train and automobiles, potters began to create smaller pieces that appealed to tourists and were more manageable to travel with, were easy to make, and sold well.
As miniatures have less space for decoration, they often have simple designs. Beginner potters will often start by creating these types of simply designed miniatures. There are potters that create miniatures with very intricate, detailed designs which show their skill level as an artist, as it requires more patience and steady hands.
With the introduction of commercial products beginning in the 1970s, miniatures, like all forms, were also made with commercial clays (either handmade or cast slip). Today at Acoma, potters of all skill levels still make and paint miniatures using both traditional natural materials and commercial materials.
In Collection(s)
Bibliography:
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.