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Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.

Water jar

Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.

Water jar

Date: 1890-1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 29.2 cm (10 × 11 1/2 in.)
Weight: 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1926.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.627
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; four-color; white slip with black, orange, and red painted decoration. The design consists of orange filled bands on neck and body (a variation of rainbow bands) with black triangles (clouds). There are red split rectangles (pathway motifs) with orange filled diamonds around the middle of the jar. Red underbody, two inches of red slip on interior rim, and concave base. Bold geometric design with bar motifs, diamonds, and arcs
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit June 3-5, 2015 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo, Review 2”): There is a visible water line on the interior rim of this jar confirming it’s use as a water jar. The design is very unique and the colors used are very bright. The lay out of the design is inconsistent, which could imply the artist was a beginner painter. The shoulder of this jar is very sharp, which is characteristic of a beginner potter; however, it is possible that someone more experienced made the jar and another person painted it. The participants feel this was likely made and painted by a beginner. There is a black blob on the on the neck which may be the bee weed plant binder. The design consists of a variation of rainbows with clouds. It is a bold simple design. There is a patch on the inside (?).

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 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.