Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0458   CAS 0370-0458; Figurine (rain god)
Category Pottery
Object Name Figurine (rain god)
Culture Tesuque Pueblo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. New Mexico
County Santa Fe
Other Geographic Data Tesuque Pueblo
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1900-1920
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Clay; Tempera (?) paint
Description Human-like figurine, commonly called a rain god, in seated position with outstretched legs and upraised arms with hands held at side of head (“Hear no evil”); Facial features are both modeled and incised; Small olla is supported on figure's legs; Entire surface of figure is covered with off white slip; Green geometric designs are painted on figure's forehead, cheeks, and chest and red staining appears randomly on figure's face and arms and on olla; Figurine is unsigned.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 17.0, Width = 7.2, Depth = 8.7