Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1840 - 1850
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 24.2 × 30.5 cm (9 1/2 × 12 in.)
Weight: 2.8 kg (6.2 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.851
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit February 17 and 18, 2010 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 4”): The motifs on both the neck and the body are similar and are based on a circular rainbird design. Because of the significant flare of the neck and lip on the rim it is possible the jar was made to be used as a drum; however, there is no wear on the area of the neck where the drum head would have been tied. There is a clay and pitch repair on the bottom, which would not have been water-tight. Mr. Enote explained that it looks like the jar was not used again after the repair was done, so it was likely that the jar was sold after it was repaired. Mr. Seowtewa noticed a yellow deposit on the interior base of jar, which fluoresced under black light. He said it may have been from a ground up yellow flower (possibly buttercups), or possibly from yellow ochre that may have been stored in the jar. They both expressed that they would like for the yellow substance to be tested if that becomes possible in the future.
The word for a water jar in Zuni is “k'yabokya de'ele,” which translates to “water container vessel” 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:
Pueblo Designs
- Pg. 43
- Fig. Plate XIII, 2
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.