Nineteenth Century Hopi Historic Pottery Female Figurine

This late 19th century piece is a classic Hopi Maiden pottery figurine, sometimes referred to as a Hopi girl or "doll" figurine. These hand-molded clay figures were typically crafted for the early tourist trade, dating primarily from the late 19th century through the early-to-mid 20th century.

Form and Pose: The figurine depicts a seated female figure with legs wrapped/extended forward. The rounded torso, direct facial features (painted eyes, nose bridge, and mouth), and applied clay breasts are characteristic of Hopi figural pottery modeling from this period.

Garment: The dark brown or black mineral paint designs across the torso and lap represent traditional woven textiles — specifically the cross-hatched patterning on the chest and vertical striping along the lower skirt/lap area.

Pigment and Slip: It features a warm yellow-buff to tan clay body with a light slip finish. The dark slip detailing was painted using iron-rich mineral pigments prior to outdoor firing.

Firing Smudges: The dark clouding on the front lower lap is a traditional outdoor firing cloud, caused by burning fuel contacting the clay during the open-pit firing process.

Craquelure and Wear: The micro-crazing (fine crackle lines in the slip) and subtle surface wear point toward an authentic vintage piece with age-related patination.

Commercial Art Tradition: While traditional Pueblo pottery focused heavily on utilitarian jars, bowls, and canteen shapes, potters at Hopi (particularly around First Mesa) began creating small figural sculptures in the late 1800s and early 1900s for curio collectors, trading posts, and tourists traveling via the Santa Fe Railway.

Representation: These figures celebrate traditional Hopi female dress and cultural identity, depicting maidens wearing traditional woven clothing and classic hairstyles.

Condition: good condition with no breakage or repairs.  There are minor slip cracks on the bottom of the figurine (see below).

Provenance: this Nineteenth Century Hopi Historic Pottery Female Figurine is from the collection of a client from California

Recommended Reading: PUEBLO POTTERY FIGURINES: The expression of Cultural Perceptions in Clay by Patricia Fogelman Lange. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque

TAGS: Pueblo Pottery Figurines, Southwest Indian Pottery, Hopi Pueblo