Collaborative Duwyenie Harvest Seed Jar with Incised Pictorial Frieze

This extraordinary jar, created in 2014 by Hopi Pueblo artist Preston Duwyenie and intricately incised by Debra Trujillo Duwyenie of Santa Clara Pueblo.  It exemplifies the harmonious collaboration between two exceptionally talented potters whose complementary skills shine through in this one-of-a-kind piece.

The jar features a unique slanted opening and is covered in what appears to be a micaceous red slip that gives the entire body a subtle, shimmering quality. The incised and polished pictorial frieze above the shoulder, meticulously carved by Debra, includes motifs of quail, corn, sunflowers, kokopelli, and rain clouds, weaving a rich tapestry of life and nature around the vessel.

Central to the composition is a stunning sun face motif, radiating with intricate detail and symbolic significance. This emblematic design ties the various elements together, symbolizing harmony, vitality, and the eternal cycle of life.

The base of the jar is inscribed with Debra and her icon, marking her contribution to this collaborative masterpiece. The synergy between Preston's skilled pottery and Debra's delicate incising makes this jar a remarkable testament to their shared artistic vision and deep connection, both as partners in life and in art.

Hopi Pueblo artist Preston Duwyenie is a multifaceted talent whose artistry transcends a single medium. Born in 1951 as a member of the Reed Clan, Preston began his artistic journey around 1979. His diverse body of work includes carvings, sculptures, paintings, graphics, pottery, textiles, and jewelry. A signature hallmark of his creations is the silhouette of a mother carrying her baby on her back, a symbol of nurturing and cultural continuity.

Preston resides at Hopi Pueblo in Hotevilla, Third Mesa, in Arizona and in Espanola, New Mexico. He is the grandson of Thomas and Belle Kuyiyesva, and Andrew and Sarah Duwyenie. His parents are Hubbell Duwyenie and Edith Kuyiyesva. Preston's family includes siblings Gabriel Duwyenie, Elaine Steele, Vaughn Duwyenie, Michael Duwyenie, Jimmy Duwyenie, Diane Duwyenie, and Thomas Duwyenie. He is married to Debra Trujillo Duwyenie of Santa Clara Pueblo, further enriching his cultural and artistic heritage.

"Although my art has broadened through educational opportunities, I have not lost the ambition to represent my heritage. Hopi people have produced some of the finest aesthetic in the country, this tradition, to a great extent, motivates what I do. In my art, spirituality weighs heavily in both content and style. My aim is to bring the best from my multicultural influences into this society. I would like to help others gain an appreciation of Native American cultures and at the same time, expose Native Americans to international Modernism. I feel the need to challenge the established world of art and ultimately to make unique contributions. Above all, I want to encourage cultural innovation, offering alternatives in artistic expression through experimentation in various techniques and mediums."

Debra Trujillo Duwyenie (1955-) of Santa Clara Pueblo is a highly collectible Southwest Indian pottery artist known for her exquisite miniature style, expert stone polishing, and intricate sgraffito work.

Debra Trujillo comes from a lineage of renowned potters. She is the niece of Minnie Vigil, Lois Gutierrez, Goldenrod Garcia, and Thelma Talachy, as her father was their brother. Her mother, Genevieve Gutierrez, and her grandmother, Petra Gutierrez, also contributed to her rich artistic heritage.

Debra began collaborating with Harvey Chavarria in the early 1980s, a partnership that lasted until his death in 1991. Their joint works, often signed "Debra - Harvey," are highly valued by collectors.

Five and a half years after Harvey's passing, Debra married Preston Duwyenie, a multifaceted Hopi Pueblo artist. Together, they create pottery, typically focusing on smaller seed pots, while Preston also produces larger pottery pieces independently. Their combined talents continue to enrich the world of Southwest Indian pottery.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Collaborative Duwyenie Harvest Seed Jar with Incised Pictorial Frieze is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Minnie Vigil, Lois Gutierrez, Goldenrod Garcia, Thelma Talachy, Petra Gutierrez, Harvey Chavarria, Debra Trujillo Duwyenie, Hopi Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Andrew Duwyenie, Preston Duwyenie