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Water jar

Date: 1925-1930

Artist or Maker: Unknown

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 15.2 × 20.3 cm (6 × 8 in.)

Weight: 0.7 kg (1.5 lb.)

Medium: clay | paints

Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1930.

Place Made:

Valencia County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America

Object Number: IAF.1422

Not on view

DescriptionAcoma polychrome water jar; three-color; white slipped with black and orange painted decoration. The design consists of three large design motifs that have hatching with dots. Extending from the sides of the large motifs are curved orange motifs ending with black triangles. On the other end are half circles with hatching and dots. Orange concave base and orange interior.
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”): This jar is very light in construction. It appears to be used, likely for carrying water which is evident in the discoloration of the interior. The design includes rain and feather motifs. There is no line break on this jar. The participants think this jar is similar to IAF.2209.

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)

Acoma Collection

Bibliography:

Acoma and Laguna Pottery

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.