Agnes Setalla is a daughter of noted potter Pauline Setalla and a niece of Eunice “Fawn” Navasie. She is also the sister of Dee Setalla and Stetson Setalla. She learned to make pottery from her mother and her aunt. Her pieces are signed with her name and also a bear paw, as she is bear clan.  This open bowl is fully polished.  The rim has a painted cloud and mesa design. The interior has interlocking Sikyatki birds and dragonflies.  It is a very complex design painted with bee-weed (black) and red clay slip.  The bowl was traditionally fired to create the blushes on the surface.  It is signed, “Agnes Nahsonhoya” on the bottom.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

“Did you know the design on this bowl is usually called a “hummingbird” pattern by Hopi-Tewa potters. However, in reality, it is most likely the depiction of a hawk or “hummingbird” moth (Manduca quinquemaculata), which has a flexible proboscis.  The figure above the large eye represents the feathery antennae of the hawk moth.  It is often depcited with the datura plant on which the hawk moth feeds.”

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Setalla, Agnes (Nasonhoya)

Agnes Nasonhoya Setalla

Agnes Nahsonhoya Setalla (b.1956) is a daughter of noted potter Pauline Setalla and a niece of Eunice "Fawn" Navasie. She is also the sister of Dee Setalla and Stetson Setalla. She learned to make pottery from her mother and her aunt. Her pieces are signed with her name and a bear paw, which is a reflection of her being in the Bear Clan.