Polacca, Thomas – “Four Clans” Large Carved Seedpot (1984)

6.75"w x 6.25"h

$ 1,200.00

WOW!  This is a very complex carved large seedpot by Thomas Polacca.  Thomas was a son of noted potter Fannie Nampeyo and a grandson of Nampeyo of Hano.  He is considered among the first men to begin making pottery at Hopi in the 1970s.  Interestingly, the men initially did not use the traditional Sikyatki designs but followed other directions in their pottery.  This is one  of his most iconic styles with deeply carved designs that are slipped with clay and bee-weed. The goal of his pieces in this style was to make them look more like wood and less like traditional Hopi-Tewa pottery. This seed bowl is deeply carved on numerous levels. The top has four medallions, each with different designs. There is a Quail, Butterfly, Flute Player, and Bear.  Separating them are medallions with ears of corn.  Note how the corn is carved in two layers!  Below the Clan Figures are large vessels carved into the clay, each has a feather pattern.  Note as well how the background area is also incised with additional small linear designs.  The piece was traditionally fired and it is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Tom Polacca”.  It is from 1984.