Youvella, Wallace – “Longhair Katsina” Large Blue Seedpot (1980s)

3.5"w x 3.25"h

$ 900.00

This is an unusual seedpot by Wallace Youvella, the husband of Iris Nampeyo.  It is the largest seedpot we have had that was polished blue.  The top has a Longhair Katsina in the center.  It is surrounded by corn, feathers, and a Flute Player. There are additional feather designs extending down the side.  The lighter blue areas are where he etched away from the polished surface but not deep enough for the tan.  Wallace was one of the first three men at Hopi in the mid-1970s to begin making pottery (the others were Mark Tahbo and Thomas Polacca).  Interestingly, Thomas and Wallace (who were brothers-in-law) both started with traditional Hopi-Tewa designs but met resistance from the women potters, so began making pieces that were either fully polished and etched, or carved.  This piece is signed on the bottom, “Wallace Youvella”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.