Outstanding 19th Century Hopi Canteen [R]

The shape of this vessel makes one think of the larger canteens of this shape used by the Snake Priests to place snakes in prior to the Snake Dance. This canteen, however, is smaller than those used for the ceremony so it is probably a traditional water canteen. Also, the snake canteens are generally not decorated.

This canteen is slipped in a smooth cream slip and simply but beautifully decorated in black and red designs. It dates to circa 1900 and is in excellent condition except for a crack on the underside that has been repaired with piñon pitch in the Native fashion.

This is an early functional Hopi work of art. Canteens of this vintage are very difficult to find.