Ceramic: Mesa Verde Black-on-white, necked jar, AZRU1-1009

Mesa Verde Black-on-white, necked jar, Accession AZRU-00001 Catalog #1009, Morris FS 5478. Analyzed by Lori Reed 2011. Granular igneous rock temper indicates local production probably at Aztec. Vessel is 100% complete with about 40% reconstruction with unknown plaster material. Measurements: 7.2 cm orifice diameter, 17.7 cm height. Image AZRU1-1009 A: side view showing painted design and handle. Image AZRU1-1009 B: side view showing design and both handles. Image AZRU1-1009 C: side view showing reconstructed handle. Image AZRU1-1009 D: side view showing painted design and both handles. Image AZRU1-1009 E: top view showing orifice. Image AZRU1-1009 F: top view showing orifice. Image AZRU1-1009 G: view of base. Recovered from Earl Morris excavation of Room 193, Aztec West Ruin. Earl Morris’ description of Room 193 at the time of excavation is as follows. “….refuse that had been deposited on the second floor, including fragments of a considerable number of very fine medium-sized water jars and mugs that were shattered, possibly intentionally, judging from their number and the fact that they were practically new and of the same potter. Another atypical Chaco water jar had the entire surface completely hidden by a coat of lacquer bearing an elaborate design in yellow, red, and black” (Morris 1928:362). Reference: Earl Morris, 1928, Notes on Excavations in the Aztec Ruin, Volume XXVI, Part V, Anthropological Papers of the American Museum of Natural History, New York.