Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1890
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 34.3 cm (10 × 13 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2.6 kg (5.75 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.944
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit February 17 and 18, 2010 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 4”): This jar has all the basic elements of a Zuni jar; the form and design elements are fairly standard. The designs include stepped clouds, feathers, and water waves. However, it is unusual to have a red background with white line decoration and a black base. The red is also a different color than the shades of red usually seen in Zuni pottery. The base and rim show almost no wear. A small amount of paint has worn off the base where it would sit on the shelf, but there are no chips in the clay. The jar was most likely made for sale (not for personal, household, or ceremonial use in the community), possibly commissioned by C.G. Wallace or perhaps even made in a workshop setting. There are hairline cracks in the rim that may have been stabilized.
The word for a water jar in Zuni is “k'yabokya de'ele,” which translates to “water container vessel” in English. The intended use for these jars was to store and carry water, but they could also be used to store other items.
In Collection(s)
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