Copper Large Shallow Bowl with Pueblo Stamping, circa 1930s [SOLD]

Special Value Offer: we have been authorized to offer this at a 40% price reduction from the original price of $750 to a new price of $450.

Indian traders of the late 1800s and early 1900s began their businesses selling items routinely made by Pueblo and Navajo artisans.  Early items were pottery, drums, jewelry, textiles, clothing, dance paraphernalia and other items already being made for use by the natives in their homes and for ceremonial functions.  By the 1930s, merchants began expanding their inventory to include items not of interest to native homes but geared strictly for the tourist market.  The Maisel Company and Sunbell Corporation of Albuquerque and Southwest Arts & Crafts of Santa Fe published catalogs of such items.  Often these companies made items for the Fred Harvey Company for its massive tourist market.

Items made of copper supplemented those made of sterling silver.  Copper ashtrays, candy dishes, and large bowls were popular with tourists. 

This large magnificent copper bowl is stamped with cloud and rain elements and roadrunner-style birds.  It is not hallmarked with the name of a maker or a business.  The stamped designs are intricate and detailed, evidence of a talented artisan.  It is our opinion that this is probably a circa 1930s item.

Condition: very good condition with some tarnishing of the copper, but we prefer not to polish older items.

Provenance: originally from a gentleman from San Diego, California

Recommended Reading: The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico by Jonathan Batkin