Laura Chapella Tomosie (1907-1977) was a daughter of Poui and Toby White and a sister of Grace Chapella, Dalee and Bert Youvella.  She began making pottery in the 1930s but was never as famous as her sister Grace.  It is said that she only spoke Hopi-Tewa and would negotiate by raising her fingers to indicate the price of an object.  This is the only lidded piece of her work we have had come into the gallery. The bowl is coil-built and painted with bee-weed and clay slip.  There is a hummingbird on each side, separated by a corn plant.  The bowl has a bird lid that fits perfectly into the bowl.  It was traditionally fired to create the blushes.  The piece is signed, “Laura Tomosie”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It was originally purchased in the 1950s.