Cochiti Pueblo Hump Back Water Canteen [SOLD]

Historic pottery of the 1880-1900 periods at Cochiti Pueblo is best described as having a spherical appearance. Jars, bowls, canteens and figurines all featured very spherical shapes. The canteen-like vessels were an innovative form that developed at Cochiti.

Collections made for the Smithsonian in 1879-1880 illustrate that most potters at Cochiti Pueblo were making figurine pottery, not bowls, canteens or ollas. Figurative pottery at Cochiti has continued to predominate today. It is most unusual to find vessel shapes from the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Pottery making was never quite as vital at Cochiti as a source of income as it was at some of the other pueblos, particularly because of the well-known quality of the Cochiti drums, for which there was always a good market. Also, geographically Cochiti was not on the tourist trail in the late 19^th century.

This late 19^th century pottery canteen was constructed in the traditional coil method using native regional clay, and slipped in rag-wiped cream-colored clay. The black floral decorations, typical of Cochiti pottery designs, were executed in bee weed vegetal paint. The spout is upturned to prevent spillage. Two handles provide for a way to hang or transport the canteen.

Double framing lines at the base of the decorated area and double framing lines around the spout are divided by ceremonial breaks. The base of the vessel is stone-polished natural clay devoid of slip. A wide red band is wiped around the body just below the framing lines at the base.

There is an almost identical canteen pictured in the exhibit book“A River Apart” with a date notation of 1890. The biggest difference between the two canteens is one has handles that are parallel to the base and the other has handles that are perpendicular to the base.

Condition: This canteen appears to be in excellent condition.