Navajo Craftsman, Matt Vail, a member of the famous Vail Family, has created a most unique Horse Hair Turtle. It is 2-1/2" tall and 3" wide and 4-1/2" long. He has decorated it with interesting etching designs. This would make a most impressive addition to your pottery collection. Matt has etched his name on the underside of the turtle.

The Navajo Vail family is well known for their contemporary style of pottery known as “Horse Hair”. They pour a ceramic white slip substance into a mold forming whatever shape of pot or item they want. They let it dry—clean and polish it—then fire it in a kiln. Next a thin layer of horse hair (taken during grooming) is artistically spread over the surface of the pottery—by hand. Precise timing and temperatures are required to allow the horse hair to correctly burn into the clay. The hair from the mane creates ’fine’ lines. The hair from the tail produces ’thick’ lines. As the hair is consumed by the fire, it twists and burns, each piece of pottery becoming an original—never to be duplicated again—a unique piece of art. They clean the finished piece with a dry material producing a unique marbleized pot. No paint or glaze is used. The family finishes each piece by applying stones (often turquoise), hides, or artistic etchings to the pot. The process is hazardous and time consuming. Every original design is made in New Mexico. The Vail Family proudly signs every piece. The parents have taught their art to their children so these unique, originals continue to be made.

Item # A-446.

List price $30.00

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