Artist Media Series
Living Artists
Historic
Claw, Silas and Bertha – Wedding Vase with Weavings and Hogan (1990s)
6"w x 8"h
$ 300.00
This is a classic wedding vase by Silas Claw and Bertha Claw. Bertha would make the pottery, and the applique designs were applied and painted by Silas. They began working together in 1968. This wedding vase has a Navajo weaving on each side. The sides of the piece have a different hogan. Did you know that there are two different types of hogan? There is the nearly obsolete, conical forked-pole [male] hogan, which the Navajo brought with them into the Southwest, and its replacement, the larger and more substantial round-roofed [female] hogan, which may be circular, hexagonal, or octagonal in shape. It is a charming piece with a lot of design and detail. Their work is certainly “folk art,” but there are wonderful details created in Silas’s designs. The colors were often oil paint applied after the firing to give the pieces a more “realistic” appearance. The piece would then be coated with varnish or a more traditional pinon pitch. This vase is signed, S. B. C.” on the bottom. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
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Description
This is a classic wedding vase by Silas Claw and Bertha Claw. Bertha would make the pottery, and the applique designs were applied and painted by Silas. They began working together in 1968. This wedding vase has a Navajo weaving on each side. The sides of the piece have a hogan. It is a charming piece with a lot of design and detail. Their work is certainly “folk art,” but there are wonderful details created in Silas’s designs. The colors were often oil paint applied after the firing to give the pieces a more “realistic” appearance. The piece would then be coated with varnish or a more traditional pinon pitch. This vase is signed, S. B. C.” on the bottom. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
Learn More
Silas Claw and Bertha Claw were from the Shonto/Cow Springs region of the Navajo Reservation. Although both her grandmother and stepmother were potters, Bertha did not make pottery until early 1970s when she learned the craft from her neighbor Rose Williams. She began by making traditional Navajo style pottery and cooking vessels.
In 1968, Silas began making pottery and was one of the few Navajo men involved in the craft. Bertha assisted him throughout his career. Together they made pottery in a variety of shapes and styles. Bertha would make the pottery while Silas would create the designs. The designs are applique, which means the clay is added to the surface of the vessel. The colors were often oil paint applied after the firing to give the pieces a more “realistic” appearance. They would then be coated with varnish or a more traditional pinon pitch.
Brand
Claw, Silas (1913-2002) & Bertha Claw (b. 1926)
Silas Claw and Bertha Claw were from the Shonto/Cow Springs region of the Navajo Reservation. Although both her grandmother and stepmother were potters, Bertha did not make pottery until early 1970s when she learned the craft from her neighbor Rose Williams. She began by making traditional Navajo style pottery and cooking vessels.
In 1968, Silas began making pottery and was one of the few Navajo men involved in the craft. Bertha assisted him throughout his career. Together they made pottery in a variety of shapes and styles. Bertha would make the pottery while Silas would create the designs. The designs are applique, which means the clay is added to the surface of the vessel. The colors were often oil paint applied after the firing to give the pieces a more “realistic” appearance. They would then be coated with varnish or a more traditional pinon pitch.