This is a clay “Memory House” by Anita Fields.  The piece is built with slabs to create the house.  The concept for the “Memory House” is that Anita tells the story of the Osage people and specifically women.

“My clay female figures are a culmination of all my clay work. The tell different parts of the Osage story. I often use textiles as well as clays for the bodies.  The “clothing” convey my attitudes toward the strength of women and how native peoples show remarkable resourcefulness and adaptability toward their environment. The clothing Indian women created shows great pride, dignity, and hope in a culture facing insurmountable odds.”

This is a fascinating piece as the front has dots and the roof has gold lustre.  There is one of her women figures in front with cloth around her body.  She is covered in painted roses.  Looking in the window and there is a piece of cloth hand painted with a hand!  It is an exceptional combination of Anita’s strengths in clay and cloth.  The figure is attached to the house.  The piece can be hung or can stand on its own.  It is signed on the back, “Anita Fields” and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

“I have a choice…There is a time for each of us to step up and be apart of the culture.”  Anita recognizes there is a powerful connection that is made for her through cultural teachings.  [Her] hand formed ceramic works led to references found in the Osage genesis narratives.”  Anita Fields, Fluent Generations