Rick Dillingham Effigy Vessel with Turkey Feathers 1973 [SOLD]

This rare and experimental two-part effigy vessel by Rick Dillingham reflects the artist's deep commitment to infusing his ceramic forms with personal and symbolic meaning. Created in 1973, the piece features an irregularly shaped lid and is adorned with turkey feathers, suggesting a ceremonial or spiritual dimension.

The vessel's interior offers a dramatic contrast to its exterior — coated in a glossy, high-sheen glaze that invites reflection and interaction as it was intentionally designed to evoke a more intimate, contemplative experience. See the image below for this wonderful effect.

The exterior, by contrast, is raw and earthy: a muted pinkish-grey surface, subtly marked with smudges of yellow pigment that were fired directly onto the clay. The natural texture and minimal color treatment heighten the tactile and visual tension between the inside and outside, emphasizing Dillingham's sensitivity to material and form.

Signed and dated '73, this early work showcases the artist's evolving exploration of vessel-making as a deeply expressive and conceptual practice.

Rick Dillingham (1952-1994) was a pioneering ceramicist, author, and curator whose influence continues to resonate in both contemporary and traditional pottery circles. His time restoring ancient ceramics at Santa Fe's Laboratory of Anthropology and his close study of Pueblo pottery informed not only his artistic vision but also his scholarly contributions, including landmark exhibitions and books. Dillingham's ceramics and his written legacy remain essential to the understanding of Indigenous pottery traditions in the American Southwest.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: This Rick Dillingham Effigy Vessel with Turkey Feathers 1973 is from a Santa Fe collector.

Recommended Reading: Dillingham ‘90 RICK DILLINGHAM August 10-September 5, 1990. Exhibit and Catalog by Linda Durham Gallery, Santa Fe

TAGS: Santa Fe, Pueblo Pottery, Rick Dillingham