About the Object

This three-color Santa Ana polychrome water jar features white slip with black and red painted decoration. This Santa Ana polychrome water jar consists of two bands of decoration with black fire clouds covering its surface. The neckband has four black arches with eyes and sits upon two framing lines. The body band includes multiple red motifs that are outlined in black. The most striking attribute are the flower-like shapes that are enclosed inside circles. Beside the four-leaf design are vertical red bands that are full of contoured scallops.

Additional Information

By the mid 19th century, it was common to find Santa Ana polychrome jars with more undecorated spaces apart from the slip. This development is also found in other Keres-speaking pueblos such as Laguna and Zia and is likely a product of trade and influence.