Sienna Melon Jar by Alton Komalestewa

This beautiful sienna seed jar is an exemplary piece, showcasing flawless vessel shape and rich burnishing. It was created by Alton Komalestewa (b. 1959- ) during his time at Santa Clara Pueblo, making it a fascinating example of cross-Pueblo influence.

Alton learned the art of pottery directly from his mother-in-law, the renowned Santa Clara master Helen Shupla. This jar, with its superior finish, attests to his skill. Shupla's legacy is defined by her masterful technique of creating deeply melon-ribbed jars by pushing the coils outward from the interior before applying a mirror-like stone polish. Alton mastered these same essential techniques, resulting in pieces that possess the same quality as Shupla's own.

Dating and Materials

The jar was made while Komalestewa lived at Santa Clara Pueblo, meaning it utilizes the local clay and slip native to the area. Alton only produced pottery for a brief period. After the deaths of his wife and Helen Shupla, he relocated to the Hopi Reservation. He then began using Hopi clay to make pieces in the style he learned, making this jar in remembrance of his early, Santa Clara-based period.

It is worth noting that Alton Komalestewa brings together two major pottery traditions: he is the great-grandson of the legendary Nampeyo of Hano through his father's Hopi lineage, making his work a rare blend of both the Tewa and Hopi ceramic arts.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Sienna Melon Jar by Alton Komalestewa is from the estate of the client to whom we sold this in 2011.

Recommended Reading:  Talking with the Clay: The Art of Pueblo Pottery by Stephen Trimble, 1987

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Helen Shupla, Hopi Pueblo, Nampeyo of Hano, Southwest Indian Pottery, Fannie Polacca Nampeyo, Nellie Nampeyo Douma, Annie Healing Nampeyo, Alton Konalestewa