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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: 1900-1910
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 31.8 cm (10 × 12 1/2 in.)
Weight: 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Kenneth M. Chapman, 1924.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.158
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar, four-color; white slip with black and orange painted decoration. The design consists of two bands of hatched and filled rectangular units divided by a narrow black band around the shoulder which contains a pathway break. Red concave base and interior rim. The design indicates rain (hatched areas), the sun (orange), plant/leaf, and buildings or mountains (steps).
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit April 22-24, 2015 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo, Review 1”): This jar is well made and has very good construction. Ground shards were used as the temper and not sand/silt/gravel. There are two different shades of orange used. The neck of the pot shows a floral “leaf” design with elements of rain (hachuring) and sun (orange). The body has a stepped design which could be buildings or mountains. The base is concave which could indicate that this jar was used to carry water on the head. There is a line break on the shoulder of the jar which the participants say indicate that this jar is Acoma as Laguna potters do not add this.

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.