Navajo Indian Pottery Horse Hair Painted Etched Arlene John<p>

Arlene has hand made a gorgeous pot/vase. She has put the standard Horse Hair Process on the piece first. Then she painted and etched--really enhancing the pot. Such artistry and talent. She has painted with blues and reds. She has etched some traditional designs--including waves and feathers. <p>

Arlene has signed the bottom 'Arlene John-Navajo'. The pot is 5" tall, approximately 5-1/2" in diameter at the widest part, and has an opening of 2-1/4". <p>

This vase/pot is STRICTLY DECORATIVE. NO WATER!! Put this piece in a special place on your desk, on your shelves, or on a table to highlight it. ENJOY!<p>

The Navajo are 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.

They proudly signs every piece. The parents have taught their art to their children so these unique, originals continue to be made.<p>