Talahsie-Amie, Ella Mae – Cannister with Bird Designs (1970s)

5.5"w x 8"h

$ 600.00

Ella Mae Talahie-Amie (1921-1995) was from Walpi Village on First Mesa, Hopi. She was a daughter of Gary Talashie and married Clyde Ami in 1940.  She began making pottery in the 1970s but was not prolific and did not continue into the 1980s.  This is a classic canister that is coil-built, stone polished, and painted with bee-weed (black) and red clay.  The canister is a classic shape from Hopi, with cylindrical sides.  This jar has four panels of designs, each different. Two have birds, while the others have rain and cloud scenes.  The red has the “older” more painterly appearance.  The canister was traditionally fired so there are blushes on the surface.  It is signed, “Ella Mae Talashie” and it is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  There is some fugitive black, which is not unexpected on a piece of this age.