Lonewolf, Joseph – Mimbres Mountain Lion and Ram Melon Rib Seedpot (1985)
$ 2,100.00
Beginning in the early 1970s, Joseph Lonewolf revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs. This piece is from 1985. It is very unusual on several levels. The seedpot is carved with 20 melon vertical melon ribs. They are fully polished. Carved around them is the yearly symbol for 1985, which is a star. On the top of the seedpot there is a mountain lion and ram etched into the clay. They are highlighted with blue, green, red, and white clay slips. The background area surrounding them was etched away before the firing creating a linear pattern. The piece was fired a deep black. Joseph always made fewer black pieces than red pieces. As well, this is one of the only ones I have seen with carved melon ribs. The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Joseph Lonewolf” and the date of 1985. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Out of stock
Beginning in the early 1970s, Joseph Lonewolf revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs. This piece is from 1985. It is very unusual on several levels. The seedpot is carved with 20 melon vertical melon ribs. They are fully polished. Carved around them is the yearly symbol for 1985, which is a star. On the top of the seedpot there is a mountain lion and ram etched into the clay. They are highlighted with blue, green, red, and white clay slips. The background area surrounding them was etched away before the firing creating a linear pattern. The piece was fired a deep black. Joseph always made fewer black pieces than red pieces. As well, this is one of the only ones I have seen with carved melon ribs. The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Joseph Lonewolf” and the date of 1985. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
Brand
Lonewolf, Joseph (1932-2014)
Joseph Lonewolf
Joseph Lonewolf was a son of noted potters Camilio and Agapita Tafoya and the brother of Grace Medicine Flower. In the early 1970s, Joseph revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs in his work.
When Joseph and his family gather clay, they do it with the utmost respect. Before the clay can be taken from Mother Earth, they must say a prayer, asking to take the clay and tell the clay mother that they will take her and make her into a beautiful pot. The clay is brought home, and water is added to turn the clay into a liquid form known as slip. The slip is then strained to take out any rocks or debris, and then the clay can be dried, kneaded, and used.
Joseph was awarded numerous awards throughout his career, and his work can be found in museums worldwide. He has been featured in multiple books, including "The Art of Clay." He received the prestigious New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2009 and the SWAIA Lifetime Achievement Award.