2016-09 Effigy vessel of scarlet macaw

Effigy, Folk Art Bird Design

This is a parrot with a pedigree. Hopi women produced very similar effigies more than 600 years ago. Judging from the size/weight of the effigy, the walls of this vessel are substantial but not thick, although the head may be solid. The blushing is of uniform color...

2016-08 Basket impressed plate with polychromatic design of two birds

Folk Art Bird Design

This bowl appeals to me because of the humorous depiction of what I see as a baby bird playing with its mother. Forming clay bowls in baskets is an ancient practice, but except for this bowl and one other (2009-24) all other basket-impressed bowls in the collection...

2016-06 Polychrome jar with monochromatic birds

Folk Art Bird Design

Understanding how this enchanting jar attracts the viewer’s eye gives considerable insight into the talent of its maker and reinforces the loss I feel at his stupid death at age 41. On this small vessel, Jake has organized themes of chaos, elegance and serenity. The...

2015-03 Polacca wide-shouldered jar with Acoma–style birds

1880s to 1900 Transition Ware, Folk Art Bird Design, White-slipped, Nampeyo

Pot 2015-05, ca late 1880’s This is an engaging, beautiful jar. For all its beauty, it is also a jar of contradictions; from their interaction would come a renaissance of Hopi pottery. Jar 2015-03 allows us a glimpse into the creative mind of the young Nampeyo....

2015-01 Corn birds dancing jar

Folk Art Bird Design

Corn, of course, is integral to Hopi life. Prayers and dance are offered to the gods so that they will allow rain and the corn will grow. These prayers often are conveyed to the gods by birds and their feathers. Here Mark Tahbo has developed an image that expresses...

2014-12 Canteen in the form of the face of a Hummingbird Katchina

Canteens, Folk Art Bird Design, Kachina Design

The height includes 0.75” height of the stopper in the canteen. The width includes two 1.25” handles, The depth (front to back) measurement includes the 1” nose. Both prehistoric and historic canteens with hooked noses are known. See the cover of Dittert and Plog...