Maricopa Small Jar with Serpents Climbing the Walls [SOLD]

Maricopa pottery making essentially was non-existent at the turn of the 20th century, but with the diligence of Elizabeth Hart of the United States Indian Service Home Extension Department, there was a revival, not only in production but also in quality of workmanship.

The Maricopa Reservation is located on the Salt River and Gila River region just outside Phoenix, Arizona. There are very few Maricopa Indians remaining, and almost no potters among them. Some of the well-known names from the past are Ida Redbird, Mable Sunn, and Barbara Johnson.

This small jar with serpents was made by Barbara Johnson who was the daughter of Mabel Sunn, who was her mentor as well.

Condition: the jar is in original condition with the exception of minor slip loss from removal of masking tape.

Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust

Recommended Reading: Dirt for Making Things: An Apprenticeship in Maricopa Pottery as told to Janet Stoeppelmann by Mary Fernald