About the Object

This three-color Acoma polychrome jar features white slip with black and red painted decoration. The body of this water jar consists of a repeating pattern of triangular rainbow bands. Within each band are stepped hatchings (rain lines) and black filled triangles that may represent clouds. The water theme of the jar continues onto the white spaces that are filled with stacked black triangles. Likewise, these triangles possibly represent clouds. The neck decoration consists of flowing black triangles that are capped with rain lines and cloud symbolism.

Additional Information

The Pueblo of Acoma, also known as Haak’u and Sky City, is a sacred Indigenous homeland located in northwest New Mexico. The Pueblo people who call Acoma their home are a modern people with a living culture and tradition that is rooted in their land. Their art forms, such as pottery, are the traditions of their ancestors and are directly tied to their language, dance, and celebrations.