Garnet Pavatea Hopi-Tewa Beautiful Orange Vase with Design [SOLD]

Garnet Pavatea's Radiant Stone-Polished Vase: A Testament to Hopi Excellence

This elegant vase, hewn from earth and shaped by Garnet Pavatea's skilled hands, stands as a silent ode to tradition and innovation. Let us delve into the details that make this piece truly remarkable:

1. Polished Perfection:
   • The vase's surface, bathed in a warm orange hue, boasts a smooth, highly burnished finish. Each stroke of the polishing stone reflects Pavatea's dedication to perfection.
   • Remarkably, this vessel is devoid of painted designs, allowing the raw beauty of the clay to shine forth. Simplicity becomes its strength.
2. Intriguing Indentations:
   • Encircling the vase's body, a band of eleven rows of indentations weaves a subtle narrative. These triangular impressions, smaller at the top and bottom, expand gracefully as they reach the mid-body.
   • Within these grooves lies a quiet rhythm—a heartbeat of creation.
3. Interior Polishing:
   • Garnet's attention to detail extends beyond the exterior. She meticulously polished the interior of the vessel—a step not strictly necessary but a testament to her unwavering commitment.
   • As light dances within, it illuminates the vessel's soul.
4. Signature Beneath the Surface:
   • Turn the vase over, and there, on the underside, rests Garnet Pavatea's name—a whispered promise of authenticity and lineage.
5. Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton's Legacy:
   • The Hopi artisans owe a debt of gratitude to Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, co-founder of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Her vision transcended mere preservation; it ignited a renaissance.
   • In the early 1930s, she orchestrated the Hopi Craftsman Exhibition, a platform for quality work. Her concern for elevating Hopi craftsmanship resonates through time.
6. A Difficult Design, A Patient Creation:
   • This extraordinary vase, with its intricate indentations, stands as a testament to Garnet's attention to detail and her patience. How many hours did she invest in shaping this vessel? We can only wonder.
   • It defies convention, yet its presence is undeniable—a beacon of Hopi excellence.

In summary, Garnet Pavatea's vase transcends mere clay and fire. It whispers stories of generations, of hands that shaped and hearts that dreamed.

Garnet Pavatea’s (1915-1981) Hopi name translates in English to Flower Girl.  She was a Hopi-Tewa from the Tewa Village on First Mesa.  Her dad, Dewakuku, was Hopi and her mother was Tewa.  Following tradition, Garnet was of her mother's clan.  She was a long-time entrant in the Hopi craft exhibit and won many awards by doing so.  She also seemed to be a favorite of the Museum of Northern Arizona.  She was often a demonstrator at the Craftsman Exhibition.  For several years, Adobe Gallery had a standing order from the Museum of Northern Arizona for any Garnet Pavatea pottery available.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Garnet Pavatea Hopi-Tewa Beautiful Orange Vase with Design is from a client in Colorado

Recommended Reading: Contemporary Hopi Pottery by Laura Graves Allen

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Hopi Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Garnet Pavatea, Flower Girl, Hopi-Tewa Potter