Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1880-1890
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 24.2 × 30.5 cm (9 1/2 × 12 in.)
Weight: 2.6 kg (5.7 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of the Indian Art Education Fund, 1924.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.317
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 neck of this jar features cloud designs with rain hatching and tail feathers. A hole in the wall of the vessel was apparently repaired with the broken pieces that are held in place with clay and pitch. (The pitch could be from a variety of trees, likely piñon or pine. Mr. Enote and Mr. Seowtewa explained that cactus juice was sometimes used to seal fine cracks. Yucca juice can also be used if it is heated properly.)
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. 458
- Fig. 33.4; 33.5b
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.