Charlie, Lena Chio – Katsina Face Canteen (1940s)

9"w x 9.5"h

$ 1,200.00

This is a larger and early canteen by Lena Chio Charlie.  She was s one of the famous Hopi-Tewa potters from the 1940s-60s.  She was a sister of Irene Shupla and the grandmother of noted Hopi katsina carver Neil David.  This canteen is very large and inspired by Hopi rattles made in a similar in style.  The entire front is painted in the design of a Katsina.  There are painted eyes and the “nose” is protruding from the center.  The red clay is the earlier pre-1930’s style, so it could be earlier than the 1940s.  It is signed on the back with her corn hallmark.  The piece is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Definitely unusual and an important piece by Lena Charlie.