2012-03 Polacca Jar with Raised Face

1880s to 1900 Transition Ware, Effigy

  Except for the red rim typical of Polacca “C” and “D” ware, the jar is monochromatic; the white slip with small crackles is also characteristic of such ware. Either the pot has been lightly varnished or there is a noticeable patina on the pot: It’s hard to...

2010-31 Corn Maiden

Effigy

Though unsigned, this figure is apparently by Lowell Cheresposy, Hisi’s son and grandson of Dextra: an impressive lineage. The figure is carved from a solid chunk of clay. The only painting is the black hair. Only the corn stalk on the left side of the figure is...

2010-16 Small bowl with Corn Effigy

Effigy

The small bowl is somewhat thick but has even walls and a pleasing, energized linear/curvilinear design. The corn effigy is particularly graceful with the red-painted cob flanked by two leaves. One leaf reaches up to shelter the cob, the other folds downward and...

2009-12 Elegant Bird Effigy Bowl – Polychromatic Design

Effigy, Folk Art Bird Design

Dianna’s brother, Mark Tahbo, taught her pottery; both began their careers by producing many versions of their great grandmother’s Sikyatki butterfly/mesa designs (for Mark, see 1995-01 and 1997-08; for Dianna, see 1992-06). Mark once told me he got “real sick” of...

2007-16 Effigy Vessel with Molded Human Face

Effigy

This asymmetric Hopi effigy vessel has a molded human face, black and red painted facial features, headband, and ornamentation. The chin is pressed from the inside; the ears, eyebrows, and nose are applied. The painting is careful and delicate. It is unsigned but...

2006-03 Two Corn Gourd Pot – Plainware

Effigy

Unpainted, highly burnished and kiln-fired with a sloped lip and graceful shape, the pot is of a style unique to “Al Q.” Note that the ears of corn are formed by pushing the wet clay from the inside and then carving the raised external clay. Born in 1938 and raised in...