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Water jar

Date: 1900-1920

Artist or Maker: Unknown

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 20.3 × 29.2 cm (8 × 11 1/2 in.)

Weight: 1.7 kg (3.85 lb.)

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.1104

Not on view

DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; three-color; white slip with black and orange painted decoration. The design consists of two bands of repeating panels of black four-lobed split-leaf motifs with orange and black filled corners. Red underbody and concave base. Strong flexure at the neck.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit June 26-27, 2017 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 9”): This jar shows damage to the rim from heavy use as a water jar. There is much efflorescence visible, especially on the black slip. There is no visible line break on this jar.

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)

Acoma Collection

Bibliography:

Acoma and Laguna Pottery

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.