Hopi Pueblo Wedding Vase Pottery By Ella T.

ca. 1950s 

6" H x 3.25" L x 4" W

Hand Coiled Polychrome Style Vase with a Painted Geometric Design on each Side Signed Ella T. Walpi

In Very Good Condition

Ella Mae Talashie (also spelled Ella Mae Talashie-Ami or variations like Ellamae Tolashie; 1921–1995), a Hopi potter from Walpi Village on First Mesa, Arizona.  She was the daughter of Gary Talashie of Walpi Village.  She married Clyde Ami in 1940 and raised a family.  She began making pottery around 1970 and was active primarily in the 1970s (not a highly prolific artist).  Her work is traditional Hopi polychrome or terra cotta style, often featuring geometric designs, with some pieces showing fire clouds (natural darkening from outdoor firing).  Pieces are typically signed on the bottom as "Ella Mae Talashie" or "Ella Mae Talashie, Walpi." Examples include small vases, bowls, and jars in terra cotta with black and red geometric patterns.