2021-04 Monument Valley vase with 3-D figures

2021-04 Monument Valley vase with 3-D figures

Uncategorized

Traditional Navajo pottery was utilitarian plainware (cf 1969-07), but with the expansion of roads into the reservation in the 1960’s, Navajo artists began making decorated pots that would appeal to collectors and tourists.  Often a a humorous commentary of...
2019-07 Navajo Yei Vase

2019-07 Navajo Yei Vase

Kachina Design

Some history: The Navajo migrated to what is now the southwestern USA from northwestern Canada and eastern Alaska about 100 years before Columbus “discovered” the Americas.  As nomadic people, they did not have a pottery-making tradition.  About 1700 CE a...
2018-05 Navajo ceremonial tile

2018-05 Navajo ceremonial tile

Uncategorized

I have seen thick, low-relief carved Navajo clay tiles, but never a Navajo tile like 2018-05 that is 1) this thin nor 2) one that was this fully three dimensional, nor 3) one that depicted Navajo ceremonial life. Until recently, all Navajo pottery was utilitarian,...