Polychrome Cochiti Pueblo Small Canteen [R]

Early 20^th century pottery vessels of any shape are relatively rare from Cochiti Pueblo. Potters were almost exclusively making figurine pottery—male and female standing figures, effigy vessels, and large animal figures. There were times when small amounts of clay were left over from making a large piece, and this was turned into small pottery pieces, primarily for sale to tourists visiting the pueblo.

That is probably the case with this charming small water canteen. Its size was determined by the amount of clay ready for use. That does not diminish the value or authenticity of the piece, only explains why small ones like this probably exist.

This little canteen is traditional in every aspect of construction and design. It is in mimicry of the larger canteens the men take to the fields with them. A very bold cruciform element inhabits the top of the canteen, and small dots decorate the handles. The neck has a framing line without ceremonial line breaks. The back, or bottom, of the canteen is slipped in red clay.

The canteen is in excellent condition and probably dates to the first quarter of the 20^th century.