Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.
Bowl
Date: 1830-1850
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
25.4 x 52.1 cm (10 x 20 1/2 in.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1931.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.1675
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit April 3-5, 2018 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 10”): The construction of the rim may indicate that this bowl was used in the making of blue corn paper bread. The rim or lip of the bowl would be used to rub the excess batter off the person’s hand. The interior is slipped white and is smooth. Smoothness is also another indicator it was used for making paper bread. If it were a dough bowl the interior would be rougher. There is no line break on this bowl.
According to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit February 26-27, 2019 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo Review 12”): Food bowls are used for serving or consuming food and are often smaller in size than dough bowls. They are made with a similar method as water jars, but without extending the clay upward to form the shoulder and neck. Smaller bowls are typically used to hold ashes, cornmeal, traditional medicines, or food offerings. The interior of food bowls often become smoother overtime from use and shinier from fats in the various foods. These bowls can be washed with soap and water; however, scents of what it was carrying will sometimes linger afterwards.
Interiors of bowls will sometimes be slipped and burnished to create a seal, preventing liquids and foods form seeping into the clay. Some bowls are also decorated on the interior but this can be challenging and requires skill and patience.
Food bowls are still being made and used today Acoma. Like other forms, food bowls are also being made and painted with commercial products and are more common these days for serving food at gatherings as they are often glazed and are easier to clean. Some families still use bowls made from traditional natural clay for serving.
In Collection(s)
Bibliography:
Matte-Paint Pottery of the Tewa, Keres and Zuni Pueblos
- Pg. 252 (text); 255 (photograph)
- Fig. Plate 30, f
The Pottery of Acoma Pueblo
- Pg. 141
- Fig. 7.12
Pueblo Designs
- Pg. 61
- Fig. Plate XXII, 1
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.