Olive Jar

Date1700

Mediumceramic

Dimensions9 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (24.1 × 19.1 cm)

ClassificationsVessels & Containers

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, museum purchase, 1979 General Obligation Bonds

Object numberPC1982.50.1

DescriptionBotija or olive jar, green glazed jar with a squat rounded form and flaring lip. John Kern: 18th century, Made Spain or possibly New Spain, used Northern Mexico or New Mexico.

Botijas, commonly called olive jars, were used to transport liquids, spices and foodstuffs by land and sea. They are known to have contained olives, olive oil, honey, capers, lard, chickpeas, garbanzo beans, tar, wine and seeds. The shape of botijuelas and method of manufacture is similar to amphorae introduced to Spain by the ancient Greeks. In addition to jars, trade goods were carried into New Mexico in boxes, barrels, cakes and wrapping packages.

From John Kern's Artifact Documentation Form dated (no date; c. 1982):
Source: Holbrook Gallery; Purchase; Date: 18th century; Dimensions: 9"height, 8"width; Description: Oil, or "olive jar, green glaze, wheel-turned horizontal ribs show on exterior surface; walls nearly 1/2" inch thick or more; constricted neck w/small orifice & molded rim; interior glaze, (Late style, shape B, paste 2; no marks). Some flaking & ___ imperfections. Runny glaze. Materials: Baked clay and tin & lead glaze. Manufactured: Spain, possibly New Spain. Location of use: Northern Mexico- New Mexico. History: n.a. Damage: none. Treatment: n.a.
MP 3/2012

This object is a small Botija jar and was likely used to transport food or ingredients such as nuts, wine, olive oil, or seeds. This vessel is comprised of earthenware with a gray-color lead glaze. Numerous horizontal ribs line the sides of the object. A narrow mouth at the end of a short, wide neck sits at the top of the vessel, allowing for the insertion of a cork or other form of seal. The exterior glaze is missing in some areas on the object.

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