Polychrome Jar with Rainbow, Macaw, and Floral Motifs c. 1880s

This polychrome jar with rainbow, macaw, and floral motifs was made by an Acoma artist. The motifs suggest the cultural and natural worlds that surround them. Pottery like this emerges from a deep history of the Pueblo people, reflecting their close relationship with the land and their sophisticated artistic traditions. The presence of the macaw, a bird not native to the Acoma region, speaks to trade routes and cultural exchange with other tribes. The rainbow symbolizes renewal, and is a powerful symbol for many Native American cultures. These visual codes and cultural references provide a glimpse into the history and social structures of the Acoma people. Understanding the artwork's place within these traditions requires historical and anthropological research into the pottery techniques, iconography, and social conditions in which it was created. It is contingent on grasping the specific cultural context from which it comes.