Hopi Pueblo Seed Jar with Birds by Dee Setalla [SOLD]

Dee Setalla is a son of Pauline Setalla and nephew of Fawn Navasie. He is therefore in the Frog Woman and Feather Woman families. He credits his mother for teaching him not only how to form and decorate a vessel but for the proper respect for Mother Nature when gathering clay. He strongly believes that when working with clay, the potter is bringing to life a new being and it must be respected and nurtured.

Many of the older potters hold such beliefs, but it is interesting to see that a younger generation can have such feelings as well.

This seed jar is in the shape of many of the prehistoric Sikyatki vessels that Nampeyo brought to fame by recreating them in her time. This low form with a large area between the rim and mid- body provides ample space for applying a significant decoration. This potter chose to put two stylistic birds as the main decorating theme with minor black decorations interspersed.

The jar is beautifully shaped and expertly constructed. The vessel wall is consistently thin. The burnishing of the clay was expertly accomplished and the design applied with precision.

Condition: The jar is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: ex. collection of a California collector.