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Small, Mary – Polychrome Melon Jar with Cloud Design Rim (1990s)
6.5"w x 6.25"h
$ 400.00
Mary Small (1940-2024) was known for her traditional Jemez pottery. It is not just her painting that was distinctive, but the gray clay she uses is distinctive to her pottery. This is the first melon jar I have seen of her work, although I’m sure she made more. The rim is painted with a cloud design. There are 15 ribs that are carved and encircle the piece. The base has additional cloud patterns. Te jar has a striking coloration from the white, gray, and the firing. It is signed on the bottom, “Mary Small”. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
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Description
Mary Small (1940-2024) was known for her traditional Jemez pottery. It is not just her painting that was distinctive, but the gray clay she uses is distinctive to her pottery. This is the first melon jar I have seen of her work, although I’m sure she made more. The rim is painted with a cloud design. There are 15 ribs that are carved and encircle the piece. The base has additional cloud patterns. Te jar has a striking coloration from the white, gray, and the firing. It is signed on the bottom, “Mary Small”. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
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Small, Mary Toya (1940-2024)
Mary Small (1940-2024) was known for her creative traditional Jemez Pueblo pottery. Her name in Towa was “Kal-la-Tee”, meaning “New Indian Basket”. She learned to make pottery from her mother, Perfectita Toya. She was married to Simon Small. She uses a unique gray slip as part of her painted designs. It has become a distinctive visual cue to her exceptional pottery. Each piece is made using native clay, coil-built, and hand-painted. Mary Small has been quoted as saying: "When my pottery is finished, they are blessed. They have power."
Mary began participating in various art shows around 1973. She earned many ribbons during her career, including a First Prize at Santa Fe Indian Market in 1981 and a First Prize at the Powhatan Renape Nation Indian Arts Festival in 1999. Other ribbons came from the Heard Museum Guild Indian Arts Fair & Market, the Gallup InterTribal Ceremonial, and the New Mexico State Fair. Mary was also chosen as the Indian Arts and Crafts Association Artist of the Year in 2002.