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Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.

Storage jar

Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.

Storage jar

Date: 1865-1875
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 17.8 × 26.7 cm (7 × 10 1/2 in.)
Weight: 1.5 kg (3.4 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1928.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.992
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome storage jar; three-color; white slip with black painted decoration. The design consists of six repeating circular shaped motifs around the body. The neck is short and painted black as well as the interior rim (reminiscent of Ako style). Red 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 is a storage jar. The participants believe this likely stored something greasy because of shine (or stains?). The neck shape is also similar to other storage jar forms. There is no evidence of use as a water jar. The design looks like a Pueblo shield.

There is a white chalk (?) “X” on the interior. There are remains of a white paper label adhered to the base. The name “Haynes” is written in black ink on the base.


According to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 26-27, 2019 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 12”): Storage jars are constructed with thicker walls than water jars in order to support their size and the weight of the contents they would carry. The base of a storage jar is either round or flat. Storage jars were likely stored in cool places and stored items such as dried meats, crops from the garden, and other goods.

Storage jars are no longer being used or made at Acoma today. Jars that are made today that are comparable in size to that of a storage jar are usually made for sale and not for use.
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.