Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1860
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 33 × 36.9 cm (13 × 14 1/2 in.)
Weight: 3.7 kg (8.1 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.798
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 designs on the neck are somewhat unusual and may have been influenced by Spanish decorative art designs. Mr. Enote explained that while the two bands of geometric designs wrapping around the body of the jar appear to be inspired by traditional rainbird designs, they are not, in fact, depictions of rainbirds because they have no recognizable eyes or beaks. The narrow design band between the two rainbird-inspired bands depicts water waves. This jar is an example of excellent workmanship. The vessel walls are quite thin and the jar was carefully stone polished to a shine before the decorative painting was done. The designs are well balanced, highly detailed, and well executed.
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. 47
- Fig. Plate XV, 4
The Pottery of Zia Pueblo
- Pg. 58
- Fig. 5.1
The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo
- Pg. 140
- Fig. 7.43
Enduring Visions
- Pg. 66
- Fig. 105
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.