Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0459   CAS 0370-0459; 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 in front of face (“Speak no evil”); Facial features are modeled and incised; Small olla is supported on figure's legs; Entire figure is covered with gray slip; Orange and green designs are painted on figure's face, wrists (bracelets?), neck and chest (necklace?), and around olla's rim and neck; Figurine is unsigned.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 18.0, Width = 6.7, Depth = 8.0