Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2014 School for Advanced Research.
Water Jar
Date: 1900-1915
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 17.8 × 20.3 cm (7 × 8 in.)
Weight: 1 kg (2.15 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Gift of Ernest Seligman, 1926.
Place Made:
Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.650
On view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksAccording to the participants in the Acoma collection review visit June 3-5, 2015 (Events Record “Collection Review: Acoma Pueblo, Review 2”): Although this jar is small, it was well used. The wear on this jar is not consistent with water damage, therefore it is more likely this jar was as a storage jar. There are two design panels that are mirrored on opposite sides of the jar and are very evenly spaced. The overall construction of this jar is very well done and the white slip is well polished. The black paint is dark brown. Mica is visible in the clay in the interior of the jar.
The size of this jar is a lot smaller than the majority of what was being produced at that time.
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:
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.