Polacca, Delmar – 10″ Tall Jar with Ram Katsina, Wolf Katsina, and Corn Plants (2003)

Delmar Polacca (b.1959) is a son of Thomas Polacca. He learned to make pottery from his father around 1993 and continues in a similar style with carved designs.  He introduced the “marbling” of the clay, using two different colors of Hopi clay. This tall jar has a Ram Katsina on one side and a Wolf Katsina on the other.  Separating them are two large corn plants.  The figures and corn are all in relief on the surface.  This piece has an interesting story, as the original owner purchased it directly from Delmar and he asked if they wanted it painted or not. They liked it without the painting.  The interesting part is that one can really see the detail and precision in the clay work and the figures when looking closely at the jar.  As well, the “marbling” of the clay creates its own unique surface coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Delmar Polacca”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

The Butterfly Maiden is a woman dancer who pollinates flowers and fields in the spring, bringing rain to the desert. She is represented in the yearly Butterfly Dance, a traditional Hopi initiation rite for girls.