Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar
Date: 1880-1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 30.5 cm (10 × 12 in.)
Weight: 1.6 kg (3.55 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of H. P. Mera, 1924.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.241
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 17-19, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo, Review 5”): This jar may have been made by a member of Maria Lilly Salvador’s family. There are four different flowers in the design. The yellow flower is a type of medicine used to treat diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar. It was noted that parrots on older jars are larger and have less stylized tail feathers. Today, tail feathers tend to be more stylized and the size of the parrot has gotten smaller. Parrots vary from artist to artist. There is no pathway break present.
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)
Bibliography:
The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo
- Pg. 278
- Fig. 17.11
"Bound To Its Origins: The Past and Present of the Indian Arts Research Center at the School of American Research"
- Pg. 74
- Fig. N/A
The Pottery of Zia Pueblo
- Pg. 187
- Fig. 11.11
Acoma and Laguna Pottery
- Pg. 101; 214
- Fig. 5.14 (pg. 101)
US Postage Stamp
- Pg. N/A
- Fig. N/A
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.