Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Water jar | K'yabokya de'ele
Date: 1880 - 1890
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
25.4 x 31.8 cm (10 x 12 1/2 in.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.947
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 neck design depicts waves and rain. The body design includes feathers and rain, but it has many design motifs incorporated; there is no discernable theme. Rather, it seems like a combination of many designs. The designs are unevenly spaced around the jar. The base is very evenly worn and smooth, possibly done on purpose. Also, drips of slip can be seen running from the base toward the top of the jar, as would have occurred if the jar were set on its rim and a wash applied for purposes of antiquing. There are several cracks in the rim, and some green paint is visible on the interior of the rim. The jar is well burnished. Mr. Seowtewa and Mr. Enote speculated that the jar may have been used before being purchased and antiqued prior to resale. They also thought it was also possible the jar was made specifically 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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