Hopi Historic Pottery Female Figurine

This is a late 19th century Hopi pottery maiden figure, representing a young Hopi woman.

Here are the key stylistic and cultural details visible on the piece:

Attire and Dress: The painted dark brown/black line work on the chest and torso depicts a traditional woven woman's garment with intricate geometric border patterns painted across the front.

Hair and Head Detail: The painted red band around the back and sides of the head represents a traditional headband or hair tie, securing the hair.

Clay and Pigment: Formed from local Hopi yellow/buff clay with traditional natural slip and mineral paints for the dark brown and natural iron oxide for the red. The surface shows characteristic firing clouding/soft patina, pointing to traditional outdoor firing.

Function and Era: Pottery figurines of this style — often referred to as Hopi pottery dolls or maidens — were created primarily for the tourist trade beginning in the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, alongside Katsina carvings and pottery vessels. It is a charming piece of historic Hopi figurative pottery.

Condition: good condition with no breakage or repairs.  There is some slip loss on the very bottom of the figurine (see below).

Provenance: this 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