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Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.

Water jar

Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.

Water jar

Date: 1890-1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 27.9 × 30.5 cm (11 × 12 in.)
Weight: 2.1 kg (4.65 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.1042
Not on view
DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; three-color; white slipped with black and orange painted decoration. The design includes five (5) panels with an orange bird in each on the top half of the jar and five (5) panels with an orange deer in each on the lower half of the jar. The panels are separated by bold black lines. Red concave base and interior rim.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit May 11-13, 2016 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 6”): The animals are unusual in that the deer are orange and the birds are not outlined. Deer are normally painted black. There is a line break in the lower framing line at the bottom.

Rose Chino Garcia designed a jar based on the design of this jar, SAR.1985-9-1.

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)
Bibliography:
Lucy M. Lewis
  • Pg. 111
  • Fig. Plate 129
Talking with the Clay
  • Pg. 75
  • Fig. N/A
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.