About the Object

This four-color Acoma polychrome storage jar features white slip with black, red, and orange painted decoration. The all-over-designed storage jar centers on a continuous patterned band of open black and red rectangles connected to double feathered motifs. The motifs are capped at the top and bottom with black half circles that may symbolize clouds. Placed below the unlined rim are four parrots depicted in orange alongside flower forms. The lower portion consists of split black leaves parallel to red fret bands, which may represent rainbow bands.

Additional Information

The ornately illustrated parrot forms are classic aviary forms that grew in popularity during the 19th century. The characterization typically includes the parrot with a curved beak, portrayed picking berries as its talons rest on a branch of the plant. The association between the Pueblo of Acoma and parrots may originate from their traditional Puebloan relationship with macaws.