Hopi Polychrome Seed Jar with Zuni-influenced Design [SOLD]

When Mark Tahbo brought in this seed jar to us recently, he explained that the design is from the historic period that was influenced by the Hopi living at Zuni during a long-term drought.  During the 20+ years there, many Hopi potters became familiar with Zuni pottery designs so when they returned to Hopi after the drought, they took those Zuni designs with them and they are seen in a large portion of Hopi pottery from the 1800s.  It was only after Nampeyo began recreating Hopi Sikyatki-inspired designs that the Zuni designs gave way to Sikyatki designs. 

There are a number of names and descriptions of the large curved spirals seen on Zuni jars and on this jar.  They have been call volutes and also the beak of a bird, probably an eagle.  The triangles attached to the curve have been called capped elements.  I prefer to think that it represents the beak of an eagle.  There is no bird more important to the ceremonial life of the pueblo Indians.  Their use of such a design would be in respect to the eagle. 

Tahbo is the great-grandson of famous Hopi potter Grace Chapella, and the grandson of her daughter Alma Tahbo.  His siblings are potters too.  Grace Chapella, of course, is famous for living to 106 years and continuing to make pottery past her 100th birthday.

Condition: new condition

Provenance: from the artist

Recommended Reading: Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies, first edition, first printing, by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.  One new copy of this book is available at the gallery at $225