Barbara Johnson Mojave Style Three-Headed Pottery Effigy Vessel [SOLD]

This pottery figurine by Barbara Johnson is a Mojave type effigy vessel featuring three human heads with tattoo marks on their cheeks.  Each has beaded earrings and beaded necklaces.  The vessel is globular in shape with an opening on each side.  Simple geometric designs are on front and back of the vessel body.  In typical fashion, the base is a pedestal.

Barbara Johnson (c.1925-2004) was a member of the Maricopa Tribe but is known for making pottery of the Mojave style, particularly effigy vessels such as this triple-headed one embellished with beaded earrings and necklace. 

Maricopa pottery making essentially was non-existent at the turn of the twentieth century.  However, with the diligence of Elizabeth Hart of the United States Indian Service Home Extension Department, there was a revival, not only in production but also in quality of workmanship. 

The Maricopa Reservation is located on the Salt River and Gila River region just outside Phoenix, Arizona. There are very few Maricopa Indians remaining, and almost no potters among them. Some of the well-known names are Ida Redbird, Mable Sunn, and Barbara Johnson.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Barbara Johnson Mojave Style Three-Headed Pottery Effigy Vessel is from the collection of a resident of Oklahoma

Recommended Reading: Dirt for Making Things: An Apprenticeship in Maricopa Pottery as told to Janet Stoeppelmann by Mary Fernald

Relative Links: Maricopa Reservation, pottery,  Ida Redbird, Mable Sunn, Barbara Johnson, Rick Dillingham, Elmer Gates, Mericopa Tribe