Posted 6 years ago
mtnclimber…
(44 items)
Size 6" W x 4.25" H
First is this Native American? Has the break in the rim paint. What is the significance in the break? Something about spirits?
If Native American, guess would be Hopi or Zuni. What is the symbol? Possible age?
Always learn from you CR.
thanks again for your knowledge....
Yes, it's Native American, an early 20th century Hopi redware pot, made for the tourist or collector market.
The space in the black framing line is known by several terms (spirit line, spirit break, line break) and dates back to some of the earliest southwest prehistoric pottery. The "significance" or meaning of the feature probably depends on the intention of the potter. Various meanings are attributed, based on cultural interpretations and individual beliefs. Some potters use it, others don't.
The same can probably be said of the symbols used. Elaborate and imaginative stories have been devised about the "meaning" of various designs, because potters realize that the non-Native American buyers want to know a story behind what they are buying. Since it helps sales, there is usually a story provided.
Some patterns do have recognized names (migration, kachina, parrot patterns) but most are the individual potter's own interpretation of traditional design elements and styles.
thanks again for you knowledge CR