Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1900
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 25.4 × 33 cm (10 × 13 in.)
Weight: 2.7 kg (6.05 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.1262
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”): The designs on this jar are not standard Zuni designs, though they do have certain Zuni characteristics, such as the rosette-like motifs in the center of each design field, and the tail feathers located in the corners of each field. Sometimes young people paint designs in this fashion (Zuni-like, but not the standard designs) when they are learning but have not yet mastered the traditional designs. It is possible this jar represents such a case. A reddish pigment on the interior indicates the jar was likely not used to store water. There is very little wear on the rim or the base. It was likely made for sale and not for personal, household, or ceremonial use in the community.
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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