Watercarrier
Allan Houser, 1986 (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Bronze, 89 x 32 x 14 in.
“He was a native artist who refused to be limited by traditional things, was interested in the history of modern art, was interested in the art of the American West. He determined very much to be his own man as an artist.”
– Allan Houser’s son, Phillip Haozous
Carrying, storing and distributing water is one of the most essential human activities. It is also a role that is often fulfilled by women. Allan Houser created some of his most renowned sculptures around the theme of water carriers.
In this piece, Allan Houser abstracts the role of water carrier, giving it a cross-cultural universality.
Alan and Harriet chose to place this piece by Alnoba’s Winkley Brook to remind visitors about the Indigenous history of the land and the essential, rarely celebrated role of women.