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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: 1915-1925
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 30.5 cm (10 × 12 in.)
Weight: 2 kg (4.3 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of E. L. White, 1928.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.969
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; three-color; white slip with black and orange painted decoration. Two large un-bordered orange four petal flowers and paddle shaped flowers motifs with other geometric elements including cloud and mountain imagery and rain lines. Orange base and interior rim, concave base.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 17-19, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 5”): This jar has two design panels. There are no pathway breaks on this jar. The large orange “paddle” motif could be a flower or plant. The participants agree that this is a water jar form. “EL White” is written small in blue ink vertically on the side.

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.