Navasie, Joy “Frogwoman” – 11″ Tall Jar with Swirling Birds (1972) with Ribbon

8.5"w x 11.5"h

$ 2,200.00

Joy “Frog Woman” Navasie was known for her white slipped pottery and classic use of design elements. She learned to make pottery from her mother, Paqua, who also used white clay and signed with a frog as a hallmark.  The white kaolin clay is a slip that is applied to the surface of the bowl and then black (bee-weed) and red clay slips are used for painting.  This large jar is a classic shape for her pottery.  It is a tall canister shape with straight sides and a slightly turned-in rim. The jar is polished on the outside, and, amazingly also on the inside, much like her mother, and sister-in-law (Helen Naha).  The jar has four panels of design.  Each section has a swirling bird.  Note the color of the red, which is the orange-red she used in the early 1970s.  The jar was traditionally fired with slight blushes on the surface.  The jar is signed on the bottom with her frog hallmark.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It has a Blue Ribbon from the 1972 Gallup Ceremonials.