Johnson, Barbara – Mojave Style Single Headed Figurative Jar (1970s)

This is a very traditional single-headed figurative jar by Barbara Johnson. The piece is more in the the traditional style of Mojave pottery with the matte surface and red painted designs.  The jar is sculptural in form and has painted designs to accent the clay.  The face is painted with two different clay colors.  There are additional beds around the necks and for the earrings.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “B. Johnson”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

Brand

Johnson, Barbara (1925-2004)

Barbara Johnson learned to make pottery from her mother, Mabel Sunn. She was one of the revivalists of Maricopa pottery in Arizona. Maricopa pottery making essentially was non-existent at the turn of the 20th century, but with the diligence of Elizabeth Hart of the United States Indian Service Home Extension Department, there was a revival, not only in production but also in quality of workmanship.