Traditionally, canteens were made at the pueblos for the men to fill with water and take to the fields with them. Of course, collectors sought after them as well, so potters began making them to sell. This one from Acoma is particularly well made. It has a bulbous shape reminiscent of prehistoric canteen shapes. It also exhibits traits that would indicate it was made for pueblo use—that is, the attached leather strap and the lack of a signature. Generally, a canteen made for sale would not have such a strap and would most likely be signed by the potter.

The handles, interior of the neck and the back are slipped in red, with the remainder of the vessel being slipped in white with black and orange design elements over the white slip.

The potter designed the canteen so that it could rest on its bottom with the spout pointing upward at a slant. Because of the shape of the vessel and the current patina of the slip, I would estimate this piece to have been made around the late 20th century.

Condition:  The canteen is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: ex. coll. Santa Fe resident