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Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.

Storage jar

Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.

Storage jar

Date: 1890-1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
35.6 x 45.7 cm (14 x 18 in.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1928.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.1150
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome storage jar; three-color; white slip with black painted decoration, The design consists of central rectangular motifs flanked by elaborate triangles (some filled with hatching) and scrolls. Black triangles on the rim. Red underbody and interior rim. Flat base.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit November 29-30, and December 1, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 7”): The base is flat which is characteristic of storage jars. There are several cracks in the neck and body of this jar. Several of the cracks have been stabilized with dark substances that may be pine pitch. The design is evenly painted. McCartys, where this jar was purchased, is a small village on the Acoma reservation.

According to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 26-27, 2019 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 12”): Storage jars are constructed with thicker walls than water jars in order to support their size and the weight of the contents they would carry. The base of a storage jar is either round or flat. Storage jars were likely stored in cool places and stored items such as dried meats, crops from the garden, and other goods.

Storage jars are no longer being used or made at Acoma today. Jars that are made today that are comparable in size to that of a storage jar are usually made for sale and not for use.
In Collection(s)
Bibliography:
Pueblo Designs
  • Pg. 67
  • Fig. Plate XXV, 3
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.