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Award of Excellence in Pottery
~ $500.00 ~ Courtesy of Kaibab Shops ~
"Traditional Hopi Pottery"
by Karen Kahe Charley, Hopi
Scroll to see more info below the photo
Photos by Jannelle Weakly
Karen Kahe Charley
Description: Large canteen with traditional Hopi designs on top. Constructed using coil method and polished with river stones. Paint is boiled tansy mustard plant and black hematite applied with yucca brushes. Traditionally fired with sheep dung.
About this Award: Awarded to work that shows the best quality in craftsmanship and use of ceramic material. All pottery is eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
M. Polyestewa: This is a "water jug" and I chose that because everything about it is authentic; there are no commercial products used, it is hand-painted and it has a lot of meaning, A yucca paint brush (made of yucca) was used and the pot was not kiln fired—you can see the burn marks and they represent clouds. The clouds carry the water from the four directions; purification for longevity and things to grow healthy—when we drink the water we are healthy, so this pot has a lot of meaning and that's why I chose the water jug.
J. Ware: The Hopi-Tewa canteen is a traditional form with Sikiyatki-revival style imagery and is a superb example of a very old form. Wonderfully executed and the whole design comes together as a beautiful work of art.
A. Abeita: The canteen design pot has great confirmation in recognizing that the natural brush stroke was utilized with yucca and it adds an extra beautiful element to the line design.
