Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1920
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 26.7 × 35.6 cm (10 1/2 × 14 in.)
Weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.1261
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksOctavius Seowtewa during collection review visit Nov. 16 and 17, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 3”): This jar has a very even rim. Because of its rim, it is the type of jar that could have a broken jar’s base placed on top of it to keep its contents fresh. One of the two types of four-sided star designs on the rim has an eye in the center. The scrolls dividing the two bands of birds are water waves. The birds are rainbirds. The arches over (and under, in the case of the birds in the lower band) could be considered rainbows. They are also often called houses. These arches have the same basic form on all Zuni jars. One of the ideas they are meant to convey is protection for the animals they arch over.
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)
Bibliography:
The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo
- Pg. 437
- Fig. 32.17
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.