Red Melon Jar by Alton Komalestewa [SOLD]

Alton Komalestewa, a Hopi-Tewa, was married to the daughter of Helen Shupla of Santa Clara Pueblo and Kenneth Shupla, a Hopi carver. He lived with the Shupla family at Santa Clara and learned pottery-making from Helen—thus the resemblance in style to her work. Following the deaths of all the Shuplas, Alton returned to the Hopi Reservation.

This red seed jar is exemplary in vessel shape and burnishing. The jar was made at the time Komalestewa lived at Santa Clara Pueblo and the materials used are traditional and native to Santa Clara.

Condition: The jar is in original condition.

Provenance: ex. coll. California collector of Pueblo pottery.

Recommended Reading: Hopi-Tewa Pottery:  500 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.