Miniature Double Chamber Hopi Pueblo Pottery Canteen [SOLD]

This historic miniature double chamber canteen is a truly rare find. It was made by an unknown Hopi Pueblo artist. We would estimate that it dates to the 1920s, or perhaps even a bit earlier. Its small size suggests that it was made for the tourist trade, as pieces like this were easy to travel with.

The unique form is to some degree modeled after larger double chamber canteens, which served ceremonial purposes at the pueblos. These earlier ceremonial examples were much larger and symmetrical, with both chambers taking the round form seen on one side of this piece. Interestingly, the creator of this piece chose to create one rounded chamber and one side that looks more like a miniature jar, linking the two sides in the same way a symmetrical piece would be.

A variety of design elements in dark brown appear over the tan slip. The painting is intricate but loose, and it suits the unusual vessel quite well. When viewing or handling this unique piece, one cannot help but wonder what other inventive forms were created by the potter.

Condition: very good condition, no restoration or repair

Provenance: this Miniature Double Chamber Hopi Pueblo Pottery Canteen is from a private Colorado collection

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Edwin Wade and Allan Cooke

TAGS: pottery, Hopi Pueblo