Lonewolf, Joseph – “Pronghorn” Bronze, 8/16 (1978)

11" diameter

$ 2,000.00

Beginning in the early 1970’s, Joseph Lonewolf revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs.  He was the first potter to begin making bronzes of his work in 1974.  This bronze, “Pronghorn” is from 1978.  It is a more complicated piece with a relief carved pronghorn antelope as the central design.  In relief behind the Pronghorn is a water serpent along with clouds and a mountain designs around the rim.  There are small Mimbres Bees in the sky along with a more realistic butterfly.  There is a flute player on the back of the Pronghorn.  Joseph said of the flute player:

“The flute player lifts his flute and calls the creatures.  Encircled by the musical story coming from his flute, the flute player, symbolic of leadership, tells the animals to come forth”.

The patina on this bronze is a more coppery coloration.  The bronze is 8/16.  It is in excellent condition.  I do not believe the edition of this bronze was cast.

Casting Clay: The Bronze Works of Joseph Lonewolf 1974-80