Folwell, Susan – “NDN Nickel” Water Jar (2019)

7"w x 7.25"h

$ 800.00

Susan Folwell is one of the exciting innovators in Pueblo pottery.  This new jar is entitled, “NDN Nickel”. It is a classic Santa Clara water jar made from Santa Clara clay and slipped with mica.  The shape and surface are a reflection of the utilitarian nature of Pueblo pottery in the early 1900s. It was traditionally fired with dynamic coloration on the surface  The outside of the jar has four Indian Head nickels which were made into buttons and are inserted into the clay. They alternate with the bust on two of them and the buffalo on the other two.  These particular coins are iconic of the “noble Indian”.  Here Susan has placed them on the jar as adornment, connecting them to the clay earth and the utilitarian nature of the vessel. The is the subtext that for many Native Americans in the time of these nickels were minted (1913-38), that they, “didn’t have two nickels to rub together” and so it was the clay which often provided income through selling pottery as well as vessels in which to cook or store food.  The nickels also cover the period in which Native Americans received US citizenship in 1924.   Once again Susan has created a jar which seems quite simple but is profound in context.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Susan Folwell”.