Polychrome Polacca Bowl with Katsina Mask [SOLD]

Nineteenth century Hopi pottery can be subtle in its decoration, often revealing a well disguised design of birds, flora or Katsina features. I believe the design in the interior of this bowl to be a Katsina mask or even a full Katsina.

To dissect the imagery, start with the two black triangles within dark red triangles—which I see as the eyes of the mask. The long horizontal unpainted yellow box below the eyes, which is outlined in black, is the mouth. The two large maze patterns off the sides of the face are ears. The unpainted yellow triangles above the head, outlined in black, are feathers. The similar pattern below the mask represents the body or legs, and the series of triangles within triangles at the lower section represents arms and hands. This is the way I interpret the design. Others may see only fine geometrics.

Regardless of the intent of the potter as to the design, the results are breathtaking. This is the most involved and extraordinary design I have seen on a Hopi bowl. The potter was a true artisan with amazing talent.

Provenance: This Polychrome Polacca Bowl with Katsina Mask was shown in the exhibit BOWLS: A Pueblo Necessity December 15, 2006 until December 31, 2006 presented at adobe gallery Santa fe.