Description

Samuel Manymules pottery is sophisticated and elegant. There is simplicity to his work that is so pleasing. This new jar is one of our favorite, traditional shapes. Notice the beautiful fire clouds as the jar gently slopes from the kiva steps toward the rounded lower section. A lovely pattern of fire clouds creates a contemporary color scheme of reds, oranges and soft blacks. The interior of the pot is glossy and contrasts with the soft glow of the exterior. The beautiful red color is achieved through piñon pitch and iron oxide.

This jar has been made in the traditional manner. The clay is gathered, dried, crushed, mixed, coiled, and shaped, by hand, then pit-fired. Aside from the carved swirls, the only decoration is from the random fire clouds. These result from the interaction of the clay with the cedar wood used in firing. The pot is daubed with melted pinon pitch, then burnished with a soft cloth.

Samuel has become one of the most collected Navajo potters today. He has been making his elegant, minimalist pottery in the traditional Navajo method for the last 15 years focusing on suburb shapes and forms which are sophisticated and elegant. His work marks the continuing movement of Navajo pottery to more sophisticated forms with more refined finishes.

Condition: Excellent- original new condition
Provenance: Purchased from the artist at Santa Fe Indian Market