Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: c. 1910
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 22.9 × 31.8 cm (9 × 12 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2.1 kg (4.7 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.610
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 shoulder of this jar is very slight and minimal. The paint is heavily eroded, especially on the neck and near the base. Design motifs used include cloud steps and feathers. The red triangle elements with small white circles with black centers at their tips were identified by Mr. Enote and Mr. Seowtewa as rainbird heads. They noted that the design elements are recognizably Zuni, however they have been used here in an unconventional manner. Additionally, the painting appears to have been done very quickly.
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)
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.