Mojave Double-Headed Effigy Vessel [SOLD]

The meaning of the double-headed effigy vessel is unknown.  The two faces are facing forward, side by side in this vessel; however, sometimes faces are back to back.  The loop over the head is probably a decorative headdress, not a handle.  The two faces feature the same facial tattoos and beaded earrings and necklaces.  The main body design is typical of designs on these vessels but their meaning is unknown.  The plus signs have been interpreted as stars.

Annie Fields was a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes who lived near Needles.  She apparently made the majority of her pottery in the 1950s and worked for only a decade or so.  She made male and female figures, children in cradleboards, animals, and effigy vessels.

Condition:  this effigy vessel is in remarkable condition.

Provenance: from the collection of Katherine H. Rust

Recommended Reading:  Mojave Pottery, Mojave People: The Dillingham Collection of Mojave Ceramics by Jill Furst.

Note: Mark Bahti, a noted authority on Native American arts and crafts examined this on 27 April 2012 and said that it is the work of Elmer Gates, not Annie Fields.  He said the initials A.F. on the underside were not put there by Annie Fields as she never signed her name or initials.  He further stated that the painting was that of Gates' style.