Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2009 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1920
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 33 cm (10 × 13 in.)
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.55 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.2083
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 shows a red bird sitting on the back of each deer, which is something Mr. Seowtewa had not seen before. Each deer also has its head turned back to look at the bird; deer with turned heads are not very common. The jar has clearly-visible paint drips on the interior and is in such good condition that is was probably never used. It was probably made for sale and not for personal, household, or ceremonial use in the community.
Certain bird designs are only used by the members of one family, so it may be possible to research which families made certain jars in the collection based on the birds depicted on them. There are at least nine jars in the collection with bird designs similar to those on this jar.
The word for a water jar in Zuni is “k'yabokya,” which translates to “water container” 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:
The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo
- Pg. 437
- Fig. 32.16
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.