Cylindrical shaped vessels from Acoma Pueblo are not that prevalent, however, we have had some that have been attributed to Acoma potter Mary Histia (1881-1973). There is a photograph of Mary holding a large cylindrical jar in her hand (see below) and I am not aware of any other Acoma potter of the early 20^th century known to have made cylinder shapes, although there certainly could have been.

Although cylindrical shaped vessels are relatively rare, and they have often been assumed to be a 20^th century development for the tourist market, they do have precedence from prehistoric times. Recent studies of excavated prehistoric sites at Chaco Canyon have revealed specimens of cylindrical jars. Anthropologist Patricia Crown, from the University of New Mexico, and a colleague from the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition, analyzed potsherds and found traces of a compound of cacao. From their research, they have concluded that the cylindrical jars were used to hold chocolate in beverage form. Only a couple hundred complete jars have been found and most of them came from Pueblo Bonito, but many shards that would fit a cylindrical jar shape have been unearthed.

Based on their research, there is a history for pueblo cylindrical jars, but it is still likely that the re-introduction of them was not for drinking chocolate beverages but for selling to collectors and tourists.

This cylindrical jar is decorated in black designs with three orange cruciform elements inset in black-outlined forms. The overall design consists of fine lines and what could be floral elements. The interior is slipped in red clay and the underbody is slipped in orange slip.

Condition: The jar is structurally in excellent condition. There is some spalling of the surface clay but it is relatively minor.

Mary Histia

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery (click here to view details of book) by Rick Dillingham. (Available from Adobe Gallery)