Hopi Pueblo Pottery By Wallace Youvella

Late 20th Century

1" H x 1.625" D

Hand Coiled and Carved Cream and Redware with a Geometric Design

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

Wallace Youvella (1947–2021) was a respected Hopi-Tewa potter from Sichomovi on First Mesa at Hopi Pueblo (Arizona). He was known for traditional hand-coiled pottery featuring carved designs, sgraffito techniques, and natural clay colors and slips. Son of noted Hopi potter Susie Maha Youvella (Kachina Clan). Husband of prominent potter Iris Nampeyo (of the famous Nampeyo pottery family; daughter of Fannie Nampeyo). Father of potters including Wallace Youvella Jr., Charlene, Nolan, and Doren Youvella. He learned pottery-making by observing his wife Iris, her mother Fannie, and his own mother. He was among the early men (along with Thomas Polacca) to make pottery at Hopi in the late 1970s. He also served as a Hopi Tribal Councilman and passed away in April 2021 after a car crash.