Maricopa Pottery Jar / Vase

ca. 1940
Size: 5 1/4" H x 4 1/2" D
Light wear; Overall in Very Good Condition
The Maricopa, meaning “people who live toward the water” in Yuman, historically lived near the Colorado River’s mouth before migrating to the Gila River by the 16th century due to conflicts with other Yuman tribes (e.g., Quechan, Mohave). They merged with smaller groups like the Halchidhoma and Kavelchadom, adopting some Pima cultural practices while retaining their Yuman language and identity. Today, about 800–1,000 Maricopa live in Arizona, primarily in the Gila River Indian Community (established 1859) and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (1879), near Phoenix.