Carved Redware Seed Pot with Rabbit Design

Art Cody Haungooah: A Legacy in Redware Pottery

This exquisite redware seed pot, a creation by Art Cody from Santa Clara Pueblo, exemplifies his signature style. Cody frequently employed sgraffito-carved designs on compact, round seed pots. This one is nearly a perfect sphere, save for a small flat base that ensures stability.

A circular form is meticulously carved into one side of the spherical pot, within which a rabbit is etched in relief. The rabbit, with its elongated ears and pairs of whiskers extending almost to the circle's edges, is a testament to Cody's skillful execution. Apart from a slender circular band encircling the primary design, the pot remains unadorned. The pot's vibrant red hue complements its form and design.

Art Cody Haungooah (1943-1985) is celebrated for his innovative pottery creations. He was the grandson of the esteemed Kiowa medicine man and scout, James Haungooah, also known as Silverhorn (1861-1941). The elder Haungooah gained fame in the 19th century for his remarkable ledger drawings depicting life on the Southern Plains. The name ‘Haungooah' translates to "sunlight reflecting off a buffalo horn" in the Kiowa language.

Art Cody Haungooah married Martha Suazo, a potter from Santa Clara Pueblo, in 1972. Encouraged by Martha to assist her, he emerged as an exceptional decorator of miniature pottery. He was among the early artists, alongside Joseph Lonewolf and Tony Da, to master the sgraffito style of carving.

In 1979, the renowned French designer Pierre Cardin acknowledged the artistic excellence of Art Cody and Martha, organizing a European tour to exhibit their work. Following Martha's passing (date unknown), Art Cody continued his pottery work solo until his untimely demise in a head-on car collision in 1985. Their contributions to the art world have been recognized at Indian Markets in 1978, 1979, and 1980.

The bottom of the pot is signed Haungooah.

Condition: excellent condition, a few light abrasions

Provenance: this Carved Redware Seed Pot with Rabbit Design is from a private collection

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery:750 Artist Biographies, Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Dean Haungooah, Santa Clara Pueblo, Joseph Lonewolf, Tony Da, Modern Southwest Indian Pottery, Art Cody (1943-1985) Haungooah