Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar
Date: 1860-1875
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 12 1/2 × 12 in. (31.8 × 30.5 cm)
Weight: 2.3 kg (5 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Bequest of James Richard (Rick) Dillingham, II; received at IARC in 1994.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: SAR.1994-4-586
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit May 22-24, 2018 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 11”): This jar was fired outdoors, which is evident in the discoloration of the orange slip. This jar was likely unevenly fired, which could result in discoloration of slips. The black slip is very smooth. There are many inconsistencies in the design. Some of the “eyes” in the upper portion of the design don’t have dots. The participants believe the design may have a Zuni influence but the shape of the jar looks to be Acoma. There is a line break in the lower framing line.
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)
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.