Youvella, Wallace – Seedpot with Antelope (1976-9)

2.75"w x 2.5"h

$ 300.00

This is an intricate miniature seedpot by Wallace Youvella, the husband of Hopi-Tewa potter Iris Nampeyo  It is fully polished red and the design is etched into the surface. There is a single medallion with an incised antelope in the center.  Note how he etched the background area with the linear bands.  The edges of the design are also incised.  The seedpot was made between 1976-9.  Wallace was one of the first three men at Hopi in the mid-1970’s 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 which were either fully polished and etched, or carved.  This piece is signed on the bottom in the clay.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.