Posted 7 years ago
Foragist
(1 item)
Heavy, thick-walled pottery bowl with five symbols around the sides. Terra Cotta color with Midnight blue color; all with a shiny glaze finish, inside and out, except the bottom. I can't read the signature on the bottom, and can't find most of these symbols online.
Small size. measures about 4 1/2 inches across, and a bit over 2 inches tall. I can see crazing on the inside. Any help appreciated! Who's signature? What tribe? What is that cross symbol??
It was thrown and trimmed on a potter's wheel, glazed, and fired in a kiln...which pretty much rules out the possibility that there is any tribal affiliation, since traditional Native American pottery was never made on a wheel, glazed inside and out like this, or fired in a kiln.
The signature indicates it's most likely studio pottery, or by a potter, at least, who has made and signed a lot of pots. Maybe someone will recognize the style or the signature, otherwise it will likely be difficult to determine much more about it.
Thank you CanyonRoad, at least the authentic Native American pottery classification is ruled out. I am still suspecting the studio artist is someone with Native American heritage or history. This is a great little piece, with a story...???
Unless you know the artist's name, and that they are an enrolled member of a specific federally-recognized U.S. tribe, the bowl can't be sold as Native American Indian under the terms of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. It's a federal law, with a $250,000 fine, more for businesses.
Personally, I see nothing that would lead me to think this has a Native American influence. The method of construction, the form itself, the colors used, the design patterns (that look like they might be done with wax resist)...are nothing like any Native American pottery.
Thank you for the heads up on the law. I knew that much. It is the symbols, and maybe the shape of this bowl that says N.A. to me. I am now wondering if the symbols used are just modified, made up, or taken from a more Paleo reference.
The bowl has been recategorized. Thanks for your help!