Hopi Parrot Effigy Pottery Rattle by Rachel Sahmie

This effigy jar by Rachel Sahmie was inspired by prehistoric jars of its kind from Sikyatki—specifically, an example in Chicago's Field Museum. At least one species of parrot was once native to the Southwest, and parrots were featured in the ancient kiva murals of the Hopi villages Awatovi and Kawaika-a, as documented by Watson Smith in 1952. Parrots also made their way to the Southwest from Mexico through Indigenous trade routes.

Rachel has made several of these parrot effigies over the years, however, this one is unique as she has given it a handle and turned it into a rattle. The handle has clay balls fired into it, which rattle nicely when shaken.

The rattle measures 5 1/4" height and 11 1/4" length, and is clearly signed with Rachel's Hopi name, "Nampeyo Koo Loo," on the bottom. Rachel fired this jar in December 2021. Complimentary shipping is included.

Rachel Sahmie is a fifth generation master potter, and is the great-great-granddaughter of the matriarch of Hopi pottery, Nampeyo (1856-1942).