Hopi Pottery Mudhead Wind Chime by Polingaysi Qöyawayma [SOLD]

Hopi Pueblo artist Elizabeth White is remembered for her beautiful pottery creations. Polingaysi Qöyawayma was the only Hopi potter who used her creativity to make pottery wind chimes, of which I am aware.  I have seen simple ones by her in the past, but never have I seen such a large one as this Mudhead Katsina production.  It unfortunately fell from its hanging strap in the past and the body developed cracks and a small chip broke out of the bottom rim.  It is still a formidable figure and a most collectible one from a major Hopi potter. 

Elizabeth White (1892-1990) Polingaysi Qöyawayma was one of the most charming Hopi persons one could ever meet. She was a potter, a painter, an author, a poet and a philosopher. She made very few pieces of pottery because she started potting late in life and she devoted time to those other pursuits.  This Mudhead wind chime is a masterpiece of tradition, charm and uniqueness from a master potter.

The arrowhead wind catcher hanging at the bottom is signed with the artist’s name. 

Condition: this Hopi Pottery Mudhead Wind Chime by Polingaysi Qöyawayma has a few body cracks have been stabilized but not overpainted.  You can see these in more detail by clicking on the large detailed image.

Provenance: from the collection of a Santa Fe family estate

Recommended Reading:  No Turning Back: A Hopi Indian Woman by Polingaysi Qöyawayma

Relative Links: Thomas Keam, Lorenzo Hubbell, katsina, Southwest Indian Pottery, Hopi Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Elizabeth White