Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1860-1870
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Overall: 25.4 x 31.8 cm (10 x 12 1/2 in.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.952
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksOctavius Seowtewa during collection review visit Nov. 16 and 17, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 3”): This jar may have been antiqued to make it appear older than it really was. It has very little wear on the rim and dark slip drips are visible on the interior, indicating that the jar was never used to store water or food. The base was also not finished with slip. It was likely made for sale (not for personal, household, or ceremonial use in the community).
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:
Gifts of Mother Earth
- Pg. 9
- Fig. 9
Pueblo Designs
- Pg. 47
- Fig. Plate XV, 1
The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo
- Pg. 167
- Fig. Preceding 10.1
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.