Large Hopi Pueblo Corrugated Pottery Jar By Preston Duwyenie

Late 20th Century

16.5" H x 14" D

Hand Coiled Micaceous Clay in a Glossy Black Finish with a Lip Rim and a Indent Motif Pattern on the Upper Half of the Jar

In Very Good Condition

Preston Duwyenie (Loma-i-quil-va-a, b. 1951) is a highly regarded Hopi potter from Hotevilla on Third Mesa, Arizona. He is known for elegant, minimalist pottery using micaceous clay (often giving a sparkling effect), traditional coiling techniques, outdoor firing, and innovative elements like carved "shifting sands" textures and cast silver inlays (frequently using cuttlefish bone casting for rippled/water-like effects). His work often draws from Hopi symbolism, where the pot body represents the earth/mother and silver elements evoke water.

This large corrugated jar is made from micaceous clay and fired black. It is a revival of the large ancient Anasazi storage jars of a thousand years ago. The sparkle on the surface comes from the mica clay slip. Signed on the bottom with Preston’s hallmark. It is a woman carrying a child on her back, which is also Preston’s Hopi name, which means “carried in beauty”. He is married to pottery Debra Duwyenie and now resides in Santa Clara Pueblo. Preston has won numerous awards for pottery, including “Best of Show” at the Heard Indian Market.