Navajo (Diné) Pottery Coffee Pot [SOLD]

The Diné (Navajo) had a long tradition of making pottery before the 1800s, mostly decorated and mostly utilitarian, but, for some reason, making decorated pottery was forbidden by a Medicine Man so pottery production ceased.  Mae Adson, a relative of Rose Williams, explained the taboo against decoration as follows: “The Anasazi started to over decorate their pottery, and the wind destroyed them, because of that.  That’s why we are told not to decorate pottery.” (Rosenak, 1994)  Pottery production was eventually revived in plainware form, as this coffee pot.

This coffee pot was made in what appears to be a functional form.  The Diné used them in earlier times so I assume this one could be used for making coffee, however, I don’t think I would recommend that.  The coffee pot is decorated with a simple design of Oak leaves and acorns.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from the collection of Chuck and Jan Rosenak, collectors and authors of Navajo folk art

Recommended Reading: The People Speak: Navajo Folk Art by Chuck and Jan Rosenak