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Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.

Jar

Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.

Jar

Date: before 1929
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 34.3 × 23 cm (13 1/2 × 9 1/16 in.)
Weight: 1.9 kg (4.15 lb.)
Medium: clay | paints
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.1276
Not on view
DescriptionPolychrome double jar with globular lower portion and upper portion shaped as a bird effigy. Upper portion is decorated with triangular banding at neck with pendant stylized bird beaks. Mask-like motif with winged top covers effigy "tail" and is flanked by two chevron marks. The lower portion contains encircling bands of accentuated scallops above four panels of stylized bird symbols. Two panels enclose sharply scalloped-edged split diamond motifs terminating at the top in paired curvilinear scrolls. Two panels enclose two triangles edged with pointed scallops and curved hooks and enclosing an abstract cross-hatched motif.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit April 6 and 7, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 1”): This is not a ceremonial jar. It should remain classified as pseudo-ceremonial because it was apparently sold as a ceremonial jar, though it is not one. Though a note in the IAF catalog entry for this jar indicates that it was used in the “Heart of the World Altar,” (along with IAF.981, IAF.1277, IAF.1281, IAF.1282, and IAF.1283), this is extremely unlikely. There is a Heart of the World at Zuni, but currently there are only two people at Zuni who know what it consists of. This piece is okay for research and publication as long as it is made clear that it is not ceremonial.
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.