Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2008 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 22.9 × 30.5 cm (9 × 12 in.)
Weight: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.942
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 designs on this jar seem to be based on old ones. The designs are very unusual because they are just black lines painted on the white background, not filled in, and no red was used. It appears to have been painted quickly because the designs are cramped in places and uneven. The base is uneven and the base collar was not very well smoothed out. Both the rim and the base show some wear. The jar was likely made for sale and not for personal, household, or ceremonial use in the community. Mr. Seowtewa and Mr. Enote both agreed that it is a highly unusual piece.
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:
The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo
- Pg. 231
- Fig. 15.24
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.