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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: 29.2 × 35.6 cm (11 1/2 × 14 in.)
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.6 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.1069
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; three-color; white slip with black, red, and orange painted decoration. The design includes three large black and orange geometric rain bird design motifs with orange pillars and black scrolls on each side. Red underbody with fireclouds, red interior rim and concave base. High shouldered jar.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit November 29-30, and December 1, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 7”): This jar has a very even shape with thin walls and is painted well. It was likely used to store water in the house and not to get water as it is in very good condition. The participants believe this may possibly have been made by Mary Histia. They believe this based on a design they believe she originated. She is known for painting these types of designs, which are circular or have swirls. There are three panels of design on this jar and no line breaks.

The name Bautista Ray is inscribed on the jar but the participants do not know who this person is.

It was noted that the neck of a jar is built from the excess clay at the shoulder. Depending on how much extra clay there is usually determines the length of the neck. The potter will stretch the clay as far as it will go.

It was noted that Mary Histia was known by her nick name, “Lucky”, in the community at Acoma. She had won a ribbon for a wedding vase at the State Fair or Gallup Ceremonial and told everyone “I guess I was lucky”. They started calling her “Lucky” from then on.

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.