Native American Navajo Red Clay Pot--Apple with Kokopelli

Description

Native American Navajo Red Clay Pot--Apple with Kokopelli This pot is a classic "apple" shape, also called the "McCarty Pot" from the town bearing that name. Etched with traditional patterns and accented by a dancing Kokopelli. This pot is NOT glazed inside and cannot hold water. Signed by the artist. The air-dried ceramic clay pot is painted on a wheel using a damp sponge and commercial paints. While the clay is still soft, designs are incised through the paint layer into the pot. This type of etching is called Sgraffitto. Etched art is done on either red terracotta clay or white gypsum clay and after being fired in a kiln, the resulting design shows either the bright white (gypsum) or the red earth-colored (terracotta) background seen on the various pieces. Navajo pots have the most variety in etching and use symbols for mountains, rain, wings, arrows clouds, staircase of life or altar, prayer feathers, whirlwinds, plants, bear paw, corn, water, lightning, handprints, kachinas, animals, friendship and migration as well as many others. Their etching is beautifully done and each symbol is a prayer to the Great Spirit.